House of War: House of Glass by Namaya Premieres in Lusaka
25 July 2025 | 7:00 PM | Italian Cultural Centre, 4919 Lubu Rd, Lusaka. Pre-show at 6 PM
Presented by Zambian Youth Theater, YOCUPA & GraceCares.orgContact:
YOCUPA Group
Email: info@yocupa.org | Phone: +260 977 809 376
Website: www.yocupa.org
Media Contact:
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA —
The powerful new play House of War: House of Glass by internationally acclaimed Irish-American playwright and multimedia artist Namaya premieres on 25 July 2025 at the Italian Cultural Centre in Lusaka. Presented by YOCUPA (Youth Community Upliftment Programme for Africa), the performance addresses urgent issues in Zambia including ecology, gender-based violence (GBV), and peacebuilding. Co-directed by Joseph Ntulisha, Bright Banda, Isaac Kalumba, and Dr. Beck Banda, this production launches the Zambian Youth Theatre initiative—spotlighting local young artists as they grapple with climate change and social transformation.
A Global Voice, A Local Story
Namaya, known globally for his peacebuilding and human rights-focused work in Palestine, Chile, Ireland, Vietnam, and across the U.S., developed the play in collaboration with Zambian youth. His previous works include Beatnik Café (off-Broadway in NYC and Boston), Witness to Genocide (USA & Palestine), and Memoria.Hablar.Dignidad (Chile). His latest book is the novel Jake and the Hobo: My Summer of Love. “This collaboration with YOCUPA and these inspiring young artists has been among the most meaningful of my life,” said Namaya. “Their urgency, vision, and courage demand to be heard. This is more than theatre—it’s a global call to action.”
Critical Praise for Namaya’s Work
Alison Beth Levy, Independent Art Curator: “Namaya’s art goes straight to the danger zone. The emotionally charged imagery and dialogue around war and peace create a safe space for radical truth-telling. It’s refreshing and necessary.” Ethan Vesely-Flad, Fellowship of Reconciliation: “Namaya shares insights from a life on the front lines of conflict and art. His work sparks open, honest dialogue about justice and peace.”
Critical Praise for YOCUPA.org
Led by Dr. Beck Banda, MPH, Ph.D., YOCUPA has received wide recognition for its innovative work. Dr. Zoe Kopp of GraceCares.org, a co-sponsoring organization, remarked: “Dr. Banda and his team at www.yocupa.org have been inspirational partners with Grace Cares for five years. We have admired their exemplary work with youth and the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through their programs and theater performances.”
Zambian Youth Lead the Way
This all-Zambian cast brings authenticity and vitality to the stage. “Our young actors aren’t just telling a story—they’re living it,” said director Joseph Ntulisha. YOCUPA notes: “It is a marvel to see how the directors have helped transform these actors. We hope to take this show across Zambia—and beyond.”
A Nationwide Tour to Follow
Following its Lusaka debut, House of War: House of Glass will tour across Zambia, adapting to local contexts and hosting community dialogues. Dr. Kopp, GraceCares.org, said: “Namaya opens the door globally—but it’s Zambian youth who will walk through, carrying this urgent message.”
Premiere Details
Venue: Italian Cultural Centre, 4919 Lubu Rd, Lusaka
Date & Time: Friday, 25 July 2025 | 7:00 PM (Pre-performance community event begins at 6:00 PM)
Tickets: Available at local outlets and online
Pricing: General admission – 100 ZMW | VIP – 300 ZMW (Student & community discounts available)
Due to limited seating, early booking is strongly recommended.
Media & Booking Inquiries
YOCUPA Media Relations
Phone: +260 977 809 376
Email: media@yocupa.org
Website: www.gracecares.org
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