Derrick Kinyanjui - SanaaPost Talents

SMASHING STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH THEATRE

Posted By Derrick Kinyanjui October 9, 2022 0 Stage reviews

“We are holistic beings, and a broken mind leads to a broken body which leads to a broken spirit. And the cycle continues.” Shalini Bhalla-Lucas

Through the power of storytelling, executive producers Shalini Bhalla-Lucas and Amar Vidyarthi have been vocal about mental well-being by sharing true stories of struggle and pain as well as joy and triumph, whilst also raising awareness and disrupting stigma through theatre hence bringing The Manic Monologues to Kenya.

Having a history with Mental Illness herself, Shalini Bhalla-Lucas shares how art saved her life,

“One of the many ways to bring mental well-being to people is through the arts. Dance, music, theatre and art can be healing, transformative and lifesaving. I know this first hand because dance quite literally saved my life.”

Directed by Mugambi Nthiga (Lusala) and featuring a stellar cast consisting of; Nyokabi Macharia (County 49),Wakio Mzenge (My Two Wives), Nick Ndeda (18 hours), Elsaphan Njora (Kati Kati), Charles J Ouda (Mali), Vikash Pattni (Crime and Justice), Auudi Rowa (Salem), and Julissa Rowe (Night, Mother), the show was for one,an emotional journey.

Staged at the Signature Auditorium, Westlands from the 5th to the 8th of October, the show not only unpacked real life mental illness experiences of Depression,Stress, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicidal ideation but also Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder and Obsessive compulsive disorder which don’t have much recognition in Kenya.

Stellar performances were delivered from the cast who lived up to the emotive real life scenarios.

**Wakio Mzenge, Vikash Pattni and Elsaphan Njora**

Due to the deeply emotional nature of the monologues,free therapy spearheaded by Olive Ndiang’ui (therapist) was offered by the production for any of the audience members who may have felt triggered.

One particular performance by Charles J Ouda left me fascinated,

a monologue entitled African in New York,a story of a young man who was studying at the United States and although considered lucky by his fellow Africans back home,he went through tremendous challenges from being violently assaulted to sleeping in the subway, but he didn’t share any of these experiences since his friends and family were miles away.

The mood changes throughout the show were creativity portrayed from the technical crew behind the lighting and costumes; Henry Wamai (Technical Director),Bryan Emry (Costume Designer).

Produced by Karishma Bhagani (Goddess: The Musical) and Essie Noella (Line Producer), The Manic Monologues for sure broadened my level of empathy towards mental health. I am looking forward to more initiatives of this nature being put to consideration in future productions and also hoping for a second edition.

**The cast and crew of The Manic Monologues**

Be a part of the conversation by following them on their social media platforms @justjhoom

THE ART OF LIVE STORY TELLING

Posted By Derrick Kinyanjui September 30, 2022 1 comment Stage reviews

THE SIDE CHICK WIFE IS A REFLECTION OF REAL LIFE

The audience thoroughly loved her humor and the flawless delivery of her two part narration…

Most of our lives are spent in front of a screen and we can’t help but applaud the technology and the connectivity through our devices. Chances are, a lot of people get tired and a good icebreaker is getting out there and interacting with a live audience at a live show and I believe we like to hear real life experiences from Key players in the industry.

THE SIDE CHICK WIFE was a live storytelling show, performed by Dr. Zippy Okoth (PhD), a performing artist, producer, director, actor and a lecturer of theatre and arts. She is currently a senior lecturer at KCA University.

Put together by FILM LAB and performed at the KENYA NATIONAL THEATRE auditorium, the show was a two part performance that gave us two perspectives of her life. One side told us how she navigated her relationships from her young days as a campus student in MASENO UNIVERSITY to how she got married and divorced to moving into a marriage like situation ship ‘come we stay’ that ensured her character was well developed for dealing with relationships from then on. On the second part we see Zippy evolve into a more self-aware mature woman who knows what’s best for her.

Live stories often reveal the truths of who we really are. They make the storyteller vulnerable by airing out the unspoken and making fun of otherwise cringe moments. Audiences crave authenticity and that is what they compensate for. THE SIDE CHICK WIFE was one that many could relate to in so many levels. Alert listeners noticed that it touched on so many sensitive topics; marriage traditions and expectations, friendship, cheating, death, loss, grief, therapy, childbearing, parenting and so much more. The one thing that Zippy was able to do was to share with the audience from her real life experiences and how she dealt with every situation that came her way.

A question that a lot of people were asking was that, ‘is the story factual or is it tweaked to keep the audience glued?’ but does it really matter if the story was factual or what one really takes away at the end of the whole experience because Zippy was absolutely incredible, the audience thoroughly loved her humor and the flawless delivery of her two part narration. She is a true story teller that accommodates different styles to her performance and the fact that it was mostly comical, the emotional dive is what makes THE SIDE CHICK WIFE a reflection of real life.

It was a one woman show that was engaging, decorated with very subtle lighting and minimal stage design that absolutely worked for the style of performance.

IRREGARDLESS IS A THEATRICAL MASTERPEICE

Posted By Derrick Kinyanjui September 28, 2022 0 Stage reviews

LIFE GOES ON IRREGARDLESS

the mockery that is in the political scenes of our daily lives…

This article aims to discuss John ‘J J’ Jumbi’s style of political satire as an alternative to political discussion. He packages political messages in a comic and contemporary way but still evokes political awareness. In this dramaturgy, IRREGARDLESS vol. 2 employs, sub-plots, different settings, irony, movement, spectacle and many other elements to provoke political conversations.

Irregardless vol. 2 was staged for the very last time on Sunday, 25^th September, 2022 at The Braeburn Theatre, Gitanga road. After the success of IRREGARDLESS 1, it was inevitable to bring back volume 2 with the same team.

Produced by Hawi Oguna, he says that after such a long time away, Irregardless brings back something that they as Chatterbox production, hold very dear and that is their audience. Hawi has had an incredible team work behind him comprising of; Mercy Wangui (stage manager), Tugi Waiyaki (Production manager), Seth Guya (choreographer) and many more who came in as partners.

The show has featured veteran actors as well as young and upcoming vibrant actors. Amina Hussein, click- click bang, Ashley Wahu, Just One Bite, Daisy Temba, Esther Kazungu, Papa Shirandula, Faiz Francis Ouma, Sincerely Daisy, Ivy Wangui Muiruiri, Sungura, Ibrahim Muchemi, Godfrey Hinga, Kelvin Kasyoki, Lorna Lemi, Kibue Wambui, Mary Mutheu, Martin Kigondu and Ywaya Xavier, 40 Sticks.

Music is another important aspect that carries the show to the end as it is used as a transitional element from scene to scene and mood changes. Paul Mbithi, the music director has worked with other performers to create powerful and comical renditions of commonly known tunes. The music has also been used as a time buy out and we all know that time management is an essential part of staging plays. Mbithi has worked in collaboration with, Steve Homes, Wanjira Mathai, Destiney Njeri, Dianarose Nyawira, Michelle Wanjiku, Jodi Jubi and Joy Ocholla.

JJ has used settings in our social spaces where politics is meant to find you without you having to look for it; The Church, our schools and even social media trends.

I happened to walk in on a class scene where the cast were using placards to emphasize on how a politician works in order to ensure that the citizens are on their side. There is a lot of use of symbolism on the empty promises that are now very obvious. The actors use their voices well to mock well known leaders but also in a clever fashion to package a message of what not to do in the next regime.

The spectacle also goes a long way in ensuring that the message in IRREGARDLESS is home. We see it in the mood changes created by the lighting of the different scenes which very creatively and seamlessly change.

Jumbi also uses Juxtaposition to emphasize on the mockery that is in the political scenes of our daily lives. The rising action is, a foot soldier is murdered and during the burial, there is a leader being inaugurated into power. What better way to remind you that LIFE GOES ON IRREGARDLESS. A satirical masterpiece.

THE POLICE OF BWATELE ALMOST SAVE THE DAY

Posted By Derrick Kinyanjui September 27, 2022 0 Series Reviews

THE GOVERNOR WE KNOW WOULDN’T GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT.

… This is not the kind woman to mess around with…

A lot of things are happening in this episode and coming from a very heroic act by Saji, DERRICK KINYANJUI, we are quickly reminded that it was just one save and there’s still more to be done. It is in this episode that we witness Sinjin, MARTIN GITHINJI and his team almost save the day for the very first time since the chaos began.

Saji is devastated because of the things he had to do to save his parents, his character has been tainted. His mother, Debra, NYOKABI MACHARIA (Country Queen) wants Malik, PETER KAWA (Escape to Mogadishu) to take them home but Malik still has hero business to do. He wants to save the governor, Nerimah Mkung, WAKIO MZENGE (Selina) who is about to be killed by Elijah, JAMES WEBBO. Malik does not realise that needing to be the hero in every situation will cost him, in fact, sooner rather than later. Debra tries to convince him otherwise but it is in his nature to save people. It is who he is. This particular act will bring pain in his family as they are about to experience loss for the first time.

Elijah on the other hand has made it known that, the governor dies. He plans to off her by hanging, but we do not expect the strong, resilient, Governor Nerimah Mkung to go down without a fight, that just wouldn’t be her. We see her tackle the Mighty Elijah in one flip and we are once again reminded that this is not the kind woman to mess around with. Malik shows up to help her out but unfortunately all efforts go to waste when the governor is shot. Everyone panics.

In the office of the governor, everyone is uneasy, all for different reasons. The cabinet Secretary, CS Mudanga, ABEL AMUNGA (Sense 8) has decided to pay the office a visit and the acting deputy governor, Chris Komu, MAQBUL MOHAMMED (Varshita) is not ready to meet him. Of course by now we know he was the suspected mole and we love to see how he deflects when he is not in control. He pretends to be concerned about the governor but he also wants her to die. This is in an effort to draw attention away from the stolen money. The CS has made it clear that the purpose of his visit is to retrieve the 4B that was given as ransom in exchange for the governor.

Now my concern for this episode and the people of Bwatele is the police. Why are they doing things anyhow? Sinjin especially. I understand that he wants to be virtuous by letting go of the young goons, but who is supposed to be making arrests, who is going to hold them accountable and ensure they don’t go right back into crime much less giving the bad guys updates on where they are? Why are we not seeing people being brought in for questioning? Why is Sinjin depending on Malik for information? There’s just something about this particular police force that is not making sense.

The next episode promises more action as the big fish is now free and we have a lot of anticipation for his NEXT BIG MOVE.

CHEMI CHEMI PLAYERS gives a heartwarming comeback

Posted By Derrick Kinyanjui September 26, 2022 0 Stage reviews

From Director and producer Julisa Rowe and a cast consisting of ; Nyokabi Macharia,Wambui Kyama, Sakina Mirichii, Joyce Musoke,Lucy Wache and Julisa Rowe the play SPREAD YOUR GARMENT OVER ME was an eyeopener showcasing the tales that are often not told about various women in the bible.

Staged at the Mamlaka Hill Chapel Ruaka on Sunday 25th of September, the piece uncovered stories from characters who haven’t been payed much attention to, from Deborah keeping up with Israel as the first female judge to Claudia, Pontius Pilate’s wife having a revelation about Christ’s crucifixion.

Let me ask,in the story of Saul, the first king of Israel, did you know that the Medium who Saul went to consult so as to bring up Samuel’s spirit was willing to help him even though mediums and witches were persecuted and killed in the most brutal ways imaginable, now I’m not trying to justify witchcraft but the point is, the piece gave a deeper perspective about these women other than what I’ve been taught throughout my christian life.

Julisa Rowe,Lucy Wache and Nyokabi Macharia

The actors gave a wonderful performance and I for one was impressed in how they shift characters with an actor playing at most three characters.

The writing saw to it that the story portrayed aspects of Joy, despair, grief,war and hope in the lives of the characters. I personally was touched by the narrative of the Samaritan woman’s experience with Christ which was performed in song form and also felt an emotional connection with the characters and the stories.

The set design, costumes, lighting and props really set the tone for the story

Chemi Chemi players for sure did put up a good show and I for one anticipate for their next production.

Follow them on their social media @chemichemiplayers on all platforms to know what they have in store.

A play on the LIFE IN THE BIBLE THROUGH WOMEN’S EYES

Posted By Derrick Kinyanjui September 21, 2022 0 Stage reviews

In a mission to Transform lives for Christ one play at a time,CHEMI CHEMI PLAYERS made it their sole purpose to produce stage plays which shed light on the different perspectives of both men and women in the Bible.

This year, CHEMI CHEMI PLAYERS graced us with two outstanding productions; SPREAD YOUR GARMENT OVER ME and VOICES IN THE BIBLE: KINGS AND LEADERS EDITION which were highly appreciated but that is not all, since SPREAD YOUR GARMENT OVER ME is ready to make a comeback on the 25th of September at the Mamlaka Hill Chapel Ruaka.

With a renowned cast of actresses consisting of; Wambui Kyama (Kina), Nyokabi Macharia (County 49),Sakina Mirichii (Runaway Grandmother), Joyce Musoke (Better Days), Lucy Wache (Real househelps of Kawangware) and Julisa Rowe (Night, Mother), the piece brings forth stories of joy, despair, grief, war and hope in the lives of women in the Bible.

“No longer silent and unnamed, the piece brings fully realized human beings onto the stage as they navigate heartbreak, bareness, abuse,war and longing for change.” Chemi Chemi.

Directed by Julisa Rowe, the first show held at the Kenya National Theatre on February this year was seen with positive remarks from audiences, with one sighting that, “ To watch individual acting powerhouses gel so effortlessly on stage is a treat you cannot miss. The cast masterfully took us through the inner workings of the minds of key female Bible figures in an unforgettable fashion. Strong recommendation.”

That said, I think you are convinced enough to go watch this highly anticipated come back of SPREAD YOUR GARMENT OVER ME this weekend on the 25th at the Mamlaka Hill Chapel.

Tickets are on sale via Mpesa paybill 700 238 ACC : PLAY

See you there.

‘IRREGARDLESS’ IS BACK BIGGER AND BETTER

Posted By Derrick Kinyanjui September 20, 2022 0 Stage reviews

IRREGARDLESS VOL 2 ‘Open letter to the new president.’

During the pre-election period, CHATTERBOX KENYA, the production team behind; Bei ya jioni (play), 318(Short film) and Lwanda Rock man (play) , brought forth the highly appreciated play IRREGARDLESS at the Braeburn Theatre on July this year.

The political satire was written by John JJ Jumbi focusing on the nature of both the leaders and the citizens during election time and now that the elections are over, the team is back with the second edition of Irregardless, IRREGARDLESS VOL 2.

Also written by John JJ Jumbi, this edition too is a political satire “giving some ‘advice’ to the new chief-in-command of the most pressing issues he needs to adress in a non-opaque manner as he takes up his new office.” Chatterbox.

With the massive appreciation of the first edition, you are promised a much better and fun show with IRREGARDLESS VOL 2 which will be staged at the Braeburn Theatre Gitanga rd from the 23rd to 25th of September.

Tickets are available now on www.chatterbox.ke

THE MANIC MONOLOGUES AFRICAN DEBUT

Posted By Derrick Kinyanjui September 19, 2022 0 Stage reviews

Founded in 2019 by Zach Burton and Elise Hofmeister, The Manic Monologues is a movement shedding light on Mental Health Stigma through Art.

As the name suggests, The Manic Monologues craft performances from real life stories which dig deep on the true nature of Mental Health Stigma around the world making it’s African debut right here in Nairobi, Kenya

“The manic monologues brings to life incredible stories that will challenge and inform your ideas about what it means to be touched by a mental health condition. These true lived experiences come from diverse and resilient people living across the world. These brave individuals have things to say about struggle and pain, but also triumph and joy. They are moving. They are human. They are not ashamed.” Zach Burton

From the executive producers Shalini Bhalia-Lucas and Amar Vidyarthi, the event is to be held at the Signature Auditorium in Westlands, Nairobi from the 5th to the 8th of October.

Directed by Mugambi Nthiga (Nairobi half life), the monologues will be performed by acclaimed Kenyan artists consisting of; Nyokabi Macharia (County 49), Charles Ouda (Mali), Wakio Mzenge (County 49), Nick Ndenda (18 hours), Elsaphan Njora (Kati Kati), Vikash Pattni (Crime and Justice), Auudi Rowa (This is Life) and Julisa Rowe (Voices of the Bible).

Tickets to the event are now available to purchase at http://www.kenyabuzz.com

THE PLOT TWIST IN COUNTY 49 IS MIND BLOWING!!!

Posted By Derrick Kinyanjui September 19, 2022 0 Series Reviews

THE DECOY OF COUNTY 49 IS A CONGLOMERATION OF MIND GAMES.

We see a confused government and disorganized police force lose everything in plain sight…

Let me tell you something, we are dealing with people who know exactly what they are doing when it comes to ensuring that their audience will always want more. KIBANDA PICTURES, the production house behind the successful SHOWMAX original Series COUNTY 49, have worked with the best of the best in producing the latest episode, THE DECOY.

As usual, MERCY MUTISYA never disappoints when it comes to writing. The Governor’s office decides to pay full ransom as demanded by THE HIVE. What could possibly go wrong when everything and everyone is doing exactly what is required of them? The transaction of course. We see a confused government and disorganized police force lose everything in plain sight. This goes ahead to show how deeply rooted THE HIVE is and just how weak and fragile the police department is.

This episode confirms what we’ve been suspecting all along. There’s a mole on the government. What Likarion Wainaina (Super Modo) has done is that he has led us to suspect every other person in the governor’s office but the real culprit. The writing, Directing, cinematography and acting is just a complete mind game to mess with the expectations of the audience.

First of all, hands down to MAQBUL MOHAMMED’S (Varshita) incredible acting skills. He plays Chris Komu, he is left in charge of the office of the governor, Okusimba Sibi, AINEA OJIAMBO (Kina) when the governor is arrested and the deputy/acting governor, Nerimah Mkung, WAKIO MZENGE (Selina) is abducted. Chris manages to fool everyone into thinking they are the problem and he does so successfully as he orders a very high level arrest.

However the hero of this episode is Saji, DERRICK KINYANJUI, a young boy desperate to save his parents Malik Maka, PETER KAWA (Uradi) and Debra Maka, NYOKABI MACHARIA (Maepress) who got caught up in the chaos between the government and the people of BWATELE. He is the shining example of an underestimated hero that no one sees coming. We appreciate this for his character, but what next? Will they manage to get back home?

One thing about Bwatele is that anything can happen between being saved and the trip home. What happens to governor Nerimah? Who will run to her rescue cause now the office of the governor has made it clear to prioritise the lost billions. The next episode will be out and up on SHOWMAX in a few days and I can’t wait to see how things pan out eventually.

THE THIRD EPISODE OF COUNTY 49 COMES WITH QUESTIONS

Posted By Derrick Kinyanjui September 12, 2022 0 Series Reviews

WHERE ARE THE POLICE OF COUNTY49?

This is an action packed show but the action from the police is conspicuously missing…

This is exactly what we needed, more drama. The third episode of COUNTY49 has been excellently written by Martin Kigondu bringing forth some of the issues that we didn’t entirely understand.

The County of Bwatele is still in chaos. The acting governor, NERIMAH MKUNG, Wakio Mzenge, Selina, and her chief of staff are still in captivity and everybody is trying to find them. The previous episode introduced us to JUNIOR, Emmanuel Mugo, Mission to Rescue, who as we come to understand is the one funding the riots. He is the governor’s son meaning that governor, OKUSIMBA SIBI, Ainea Ojiambo, Kina is also involved. Now we know the reason behind the very meaningful nod to Junior, immediately after his arrest.

MALIK MAKA, Peter Kawa, Christmas Love, on the other hand is not going to rest until he finds his wife, DEBRA MAKA, Nyokabi Macharia, Country Queen. In the process of doing so, he discovers some deep dark secrets that he apparently wasn’t supposed to know. It gets more exciting. He cheated on his wife!!! That’s why she wants a divorce so bad. This will however not deter him from trying to save the mother of his son.

Malik tries with all his knowledge, given by his enemy to get clues on how to save Debra and Nerimah but he falters slightly and gives away his weaknesses to his enemy. Now the enemy has leverage against him even though he manages to get to Debra.

Debra gets a call from home. Her son, SAJI, Derrick Kinyanjui, is in danger, by the very people that held her hostage but now she is free. She has got to be angry and someone has got to be on the receiving end of her rage. We are so ready to see mama bear in action.

I am however bothered by one SINJIN, Martin Githinji, Sue na Johnny, the chief of security and how he his handling his power and the people at his disposal. I understand from the beginning that he and Malik are not anywhere near friends but why wouldn’t he send back up every time he asked especially since they have a shared interest? I am not feeling the urgency that would be required of someone with his job status. I feel like the only command he gives is to stand down. Why is he not using his police for this mission? Why are they standing in a camp in the middle of nowhere and not following the leads given to them, fast? Where are his priorities? Who is he trying to protect, his tent, or the governor?

Sigh!!!

This is an action packed show but the action from the police is conspicuously missing.

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