Tatenda Naomi Matsvai returns to Half Moon Theatre as an Offies finalist, with their inaugural play, Hot Orange (a collaboration with Amal Khalidi as part of Half Moon’s Narratives of Empathy programme) nominated for best writing in 2004. While the previous production was aimed at teenagers, their new show (the latest collaboration between Half Moon and Z-Arts) is designed for ages 3-8. Featuring poetry, songs and music, Brave Bettie infuses a story about social activism with Zimbabwean mythology to take young audiences on a unique adventure.
Bettie (Joanna Nsianguana) is an ordinary girl who loves stories and nature. Her favourite place is the forest behind her house, an oasis of calm filled with woodland wonders. Horrifyingly, the council’s about to turn it into a car-park and there’s nothing Bettie can do but watch on in horror as her sanctuary is destroyed. Or is there? On the night before the chainsaws arrive, Bettie finds herself joined in the woodlands by the mysterious Zimbabwean spirit guide, Paida Moyo (Tatenda Naomi Matsvai). Together, the pair embark on a mission to protect the forest and its inhabitants that will change both of them forever.
It’s an inspiring story which nicely integrates Matsvai’s Zimbabwean heritage and their experience of growing up in the UK. There’s a nice change of pace between storytelling, as Bettie reads a book introducing the audience to a Zimbabwean stories, and the live action which sees the newly formed partnership head on their quest. Music (from composer and sound designer Axel Kacoutié) is used effectively to evoke a feeling of Zimbabwe within the woodlands of East London, while Bolu Dairo’s versatile set design is playful and imaginative.
Matsvai is an engaging performer from the very beginning, setting the scene and welcoming the children into Zimbabwe as soon they enter the auditorium. They learn some new words and dance moves that can be put to good use later on, offering natural moments of audience participation during the show. Matsvai also bounces well off Nsianguana, playing a mischievous sidekick to Nsianguana’s more reserved Bettie.
Running at 50 minutes (without an interval), it does feel slightly too long which resulted in some children towards the younger end of the suggested age range becoming restless on Saturday. Older children remained engaged throughout, and it was lovely to hear one child enthusiastically encouraging Bettie during perilous moments.
Overall, Brave Bettie is a really enjoyable production that celebrates both the connection between cultures and the connection we all have to the earth. Another very promising piece of work for young audiences from an exciting emerging writer and performer.
Brave Bettie played at Half Moon Theatre from 5 to 10 February 2026, ahead of a national tour. We received a complimentary press ticket to the 2pm performance on 7 February.