Actress Ruth Moore performs in Zimbabwe play

Vibrant veteran actress Ruth Moore will appear in an original Mandi Mash Production, a musical that will be staged at the Bulawayo State Theatre next month. Moore has been travelling there for rehearsals and although she admits that it has been hectic, she says that she is excited. The production has a cast of eleven young Zimbabwean actors and actresses including well -known actors Arthur Evans, hip-hop artiste Calvin Nhiliziyo and award winning actress Qeqeshiwe Mntambo. Moore says that the play is based in the modern day times and touches on relationships among other issues. “I am playing the role of the Aunt who is a vibrant modern aunty, who is always trying to giving life advice to her nieces and their friends.”Moore, who is known for her larger-than-life personality, is also a singer and voice over artist. She is synonymous with the Orange advert for Ditebogo, Yimeewee and other television adverts. She has been in many productions including Rebina Mmogo, No. 1 Ladies Detective, Botshelo Jo, and most recently, the most talked about new TV series on BTV called Colours. The mother of one, a 22-year-old son Belton Moore, who is in university overseas, has a day job as a counsellor and medical dispatcher. However, acting is her first love. Moore says that she started acting as a young girl. “My acting journey started when I was a 16-year-old school girl. I was approached by a group of young South African refugees to act in their stage play called Walk the Road. Before that I had done some drama at school and church but never dreamt of being an actress because when I was younger as I was shy. Today nobody believes I was ever shy. After acting in my first play I fell in love with acting and never looked back.” Moore says that artists need passion and determination to survive in the arts industry. She advises upcoming artists to be strong and not let challenges derail them. “Some people in the industry are not nice and they can frustrate you but believe in yourself and never give up. Patience pays and one day you will reap the fruits of your hard work.” Moore says that she has a few projects lined up. “I am working on a movie called Sparkle, which we have been filming since early this year. I am also working on a two-woman project that I plan to showcase at Maitisong next year. My co-actor will be my acting colleague Ithabeleng Letsunyane. I also want to finish recording my album. I have already recorded three original songs with talented musician, music teacher and producer Calvin Kaluza. My other dream is to host a talk show.” Moore has many fond memories of her acting career including being part of MEDU Art Ensemble where she worked with South African writer Mongane Serote, and acting alongside now president of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi in Baranodi Performing Arts Group in Jaanong Batswana Where Are We.