2009 Zamscot visit
It is a cultural exchange between the Zambian and Scottish people that joins the town of Lochgilphead and the Isle of Barra in Scotland in friendship with the Mthunzi Cultural Group from Zambia.
Arrival
This year’s Zamscot started with the arrival of our Scottish friends on July 6. They attended some media interviews on the morning of July 9, followed by a trip to Luangwa district in Lusaka province on July 10.
First Performances
The troupe’s first performance took place at the Luangwa Basic School, where they performed with some local cultural groups. Their second performance took place at the Lusaka playhouse, which is the main theatre hall for artistes. People paid 50,000 Kwacha (about seven euro) to watch this performance.
Visits to the Rural Areas
After the two performances, the Zamscot team journeyed to the Copper Belt Province in northern Zambia, where they performed at the Chingola High School.
They also visited the copper mines, seeing both the “open cast” and the “shaft” or “underground” mines. Another trip took them to Mazabuka in Monze District, Southern Province, where they toured a sugar plantation.
The troupe’s fourth performance was staged on the night of July 16. After a visit to the Victoria Falls and Zambia’s biggest museum on July 17, it was time to return to Lusaka.
Fr. Carlos’ Anniversary
On July 18, there was a big feast for Fr. Carlos, a Comboni Missionary, who has been a priest for 25 years. We were invited to celebrate this anniversary with him at Lilanda Parish, where their fifth performance took place.
End
The Zamcot ended on July 20, when our Scottish friends said goodbye to us and travelled back home to Scotland.
By Bernad and Protazio