Kenyan theatre markers, Esther Kamba, Wanjiku Mwawuganga, Martin Kigondu, Beril Oondo, and Joseph Obel have announced their first 2023 production, ECHOES.
What if the universe was sound and every time it echoed another universe similar to this but parallel was born? That is the basis of the play ECHOES. It is about sounds that reverberate and affect both chance and choice. It allows us the space to explore theatrically, this complexity of the human condition that everything is fleeting and yet nothing ends.
ECHOES stars one of the best actors in Kenya Martin Kigondu (Supernova, Ngaahika Ndeenda) and the most well rounded artist in Kenya Wanjiku Mwawuganga (Roots).
Wanjiku Mwawuganga is a Kenyan Multidisciplinary Artist, mostly known for her work as a theatre director. Among the shows she has worked on are her directorial debut; ‘We Won’t Forget‘ which toured East Africa and was featured in the Jalada Literally Mobile Festival, 2017. And Sitawa Namwalie’s; “Taking My Father Home“, 2020. She is an Alumni of the DAH Theatre International Summer School; class of 2019 and a scholarship holder of the Zürcher Theater Spektakel 2020 Watch and Talk. Her current work in progress, ‘Roots‘; a multidisciplinary one woman show, opened in Nairobi and was also showcased at the Spielart Festival Müchen, 2021 and the Zürcher Theater Spektakel 2022. ‘Roots‘ is currently doing its East African Tour.
Martin Kigondu is a Kenyan theatre and film maker that stands tall with an impressive background in theatre. He is notable for his works as a playwright and director but is also celebrated as an adept actor, with honours such as leading in John Sibi Okumu’s play ‘Kaggia’ (2019) and playing the iconic Gicaamba in Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s play ‘I will Marry when I want’ (2022). Described in the papers as ‘arguably one of Kenya’s finest theatre brains‘ (2017) among other remarkable reviews of his work; Kigondu is an alumnus of the Canadian Directors Lab and a product of the Phoenix Players, Nairobi. With a career that spans over fifteen years in theatre thus far, Kigondu is also a producer, podcaster and screenwriter. He is the founder and producing artistic director of Prevail Presents – a film and theatre company and is a co-founder and co-host of the Busy Being Born podcast, a growth and development podcast that spotlights African excellence. He is also active in the performing arts teaching and training spaces, handling both novice and professional talent.
The two-hander is directed by the award winning experimental theatre maker, Esther Kamba (The Dying Need No Shoes, Dilation). Joseph Obel (Kenya Theatre Awards nominee) is the team’s production manager, and Beril Oondo (Lady in Red) is the stage manager for the production.
ECHOES will be opening on Friday, February 10th, at 7:00 pm. The subsequent shows are scheduled on Saturday, February 11th, at 6:00 pm and Sunday, February 12th at 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm, at the Cheche Gallery, Kenya Cultural Center in Nairobi, Kenya.
The production team of ECHOES hold live talks, Q&As, games and interactive sessions with the audience on Instagram and Facebook every Monday and Friday. Everyone planning to come watch the play is urged to follow these live shows on the Instagram handles of Martin Kigondu, Wanjiku Mwawuganga, Esther Kamba, Beril Oondo, and Joseph Obel, to dive deeper into the ECHOES world, as the actors explain different elements of the play in a playful and engaging manner.
Regular tickets are Ksh 1499 while couple tickets advance go for Ksh 2800. The sales for both regular and advance couple tickets end on February 5th, 2023. Gate tickets are Ksh 2000.
You can purchase your tickets via the MPESA TILL No.9584367.
2 Replies to “‘ECHOES’ the anticipated 2023 stage kick off”
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Wow. Thank you so much Derrick Kinyanjui for this beautiful article. Everybody, you are welcome to come experience ECHOES with us on the said dates.
Awesome