Vivian Ngoma is a seasoned Zambian artist, actress, theatre practitioner, trainer, and creative storyteller whose artistic journey spans more than 25 years. Her work is rooted in a deep belief in the transformative power of storytelling: its ability to entertain, provoke thought, give voice to lived experiences, and open spaces for dialogue, learning, and social change.
For Vivian, theatre is more than a stage. It is a meeting place between people, ideas, and lived realities. Through Theatre for Development (TfD), community engagement, creative facilitation, script development, production, directing, and performance, she has used the arts to bring communities into conversation with the issues that shape their lives.
Her practice is particularly grounded in participatory and community theatre. Over the years, Vivian has facilitated theatre workshops and trained young people in using drama as a language for communication, advocacy, education, and community action. She creates spaces where people can see their own stories reflected, question familiar realities, and imagine possibilities beyond them. Her passion lies in work that amplifies community voices, encourages meaningful dialogue, and inspires positive behavioural and social change.
As a writer and theatre-maker, Vivian has developed drama and film scripts, produced and designed productions, directed performances, and facilitated participatory theatre around a wide range of social and developmental themes, including sexual and reproductive health. Her creative approach brings together artistic expression and lived experience, allowing complex issues to become human stories that audiences can feel, understand, and engage with.
Her contribution to the performing arts extends beyond her own performances to the cultivation of new voices. Vivian has served as an adjudicator for national festivals involving schools and senior theatre clubs, offering emerging performers thoughtful critique, mentorship, and encouragement while nurturing a culture of excellence, discipline, and artistic confidence.
On stage and screen, Vivian has continued to build a versatile body of work. She has appeared in several productions, including notable Zambezi Magic titles such as ZUBA, where she portrayed Dr. Yvette; MUNGOMA, as Mama Siame; AMOYE, as Dorothy; and MAKOFI, as Chonzi. She has also appeared in the feature film When the Music Stops. Moving fluidly between theatre and film has enriched her understanding of character, performance, and the many ways a story can breathe beyond the written page.
Her artistic journey continues to evolve. Vivian is currently sharpening her directing practice through training with Kasaka Women in Film, reflecting her belief that an artist's growth is never finished. For her, every new skill is another lens through which to see, interpret, and tell a story.
Beyond the stage and screen, Vivian brings a rich background in community development and maternal health advocacy. Her experience spans community engagement, gender advocacy, programme management, research, and stakeholder networking. These two worlds, the artistic and the developmental, are deeply intertwined in her practice. She sees storytelling as a powerful instrument for amplifying marginalised voices, challenging perceptions, influencing attitudes, and creating pathways towards meaningful social change.
Vivian is recognised for her creativity, integrity, commitment, collaborative spirit, and ability to work meaningfully with people from diverse backgrounds. She brings to every creative endeavour not only the instincts of an artist, but also the insight of a community practitioner who understands that the most powerful stories are often found in the lives of ordinary people.
With more than two decades of experience behind her and an artistic journey that continues to unfold, Vivian Ngoma remains committed to exploring the space where art meets humanity. Through theatre and film, she continues to tell authentic stories, challenge perspectives, educate audiences, nurture emerging talent, and create work that leaves an imprint long after the curtain falls.
Over 25 years of experience in theatre and the performing arts. Over 15 years with NAPSA Theatre Club, contributing as an actress and theatre practitioner. Film and television credits in Zambezi Magic productions including ZUBA (Dr. Yvette), MUNGOMA (Mama Siame), AMOYE (Dorothy), and MAKOFI (Chonzi). Featured in the feature film When the Music Stops. Trained and mentored young people in community theatre and Theatre for Development. Adjudicated national theatre festivals involving schools and senior theatre clubs. Developed drama and film scripts and participated in producing, designing, and directing theatre productions. Used Theatre for Development as a tool for community education, communication, advocacy, and social change, particularly around sexual and reproductive health issues. Currently expanding my creative practice through directing training with Kasaka Women in Film. Combined her artistic practice with community development and maternal health advocacy, using storytelling to address issues affecting women, adolescents, and communities.