Category Archives: Stage reviews

THE KENYA THEATRE AWARDS 2ND EDITION 2023

Meant to honour outstanding Productions, Artists and the Legacy of practitioners who have become Icons while encouraging and celebrating a blend of Innovation and Excellence in the theatric production, the KENYA THEATRE AWARDS CEREMONY is back for it’s 2nd Edition 

Since it’s inception and inaugural ceremony on the 17th of February 2022, the awards document and provide statistics of live stage theatrical performances held in Kenya in turn honouring the following Art Disciplines;

• Drama/Play/Comedy/Farce (including productions of set works for schools)
• One Person/Solo Performance shows
• Musical Theatre (including Musical Revenue)
• Dance Theatre, Physical Theatre and Ballet
• Opera
• Tertiary Student/Incubator Theatre
• Spoken Word Poetry performance

“We want to establish the awards as an annual tradition that will always come on the second Thursday of February,a tradition that we hope will grow into an event that can become Kenya’s version of something like the American Academy Awards or the Tony’s.” Ben Ngobia –KTA Jury Chairperson

This Year’s nominees are as follows;

Best Musical Theatre Production

• Mekatilili wa Menza (Woodcreek School)
• Kesho Amahoro (Youth Theatre Kenya)
• Les Misérables (Braeburn School)
• Lion King (St Mary’s Sportsview Academy)

Best Musical Score, Arrangement or Adaptation

• Vikash Pattni (The Manic Monologues)
• Noah Akintade (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Andrew Patrick, Odhiambo Tumbo Geoffrey (Mekatilili wa Menza)
• Shimaka (Something Must Kill a Man)

Best Sound Design

• Amar Desai (Les Misérables)
• Dance Centre Kenya (The Nutcracker)
• Ambrose Kimani (Supernova)
• Martin Steven Odongo, Josiah Otieno (The Fifth)
• Bill Rowe (Spread Your Garment Over Me)

Best Original Choreography in a Musical/Play

• Sam Njenga Githongo (Mekatilili wa Menza)
• Alladeen (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Cooper Rust (The Nutcracker)
• Maribel Larson (Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates)
• Neville Ignatius (Kesho Amahoro)

Best Dance Theatre

• Dance Centre Kenya (Cinderella)
• Sarakasi Trust (Circus Mother Nature)
• Origins Dance Company Kenya/The Academy of Dance and Art African (Contemporary Ballet)
• Dance Centre Kenya (The Nutcracker)
• The Academy of Dance and Art (Peter Pan)

Best Production

• Supernova (Prevail Presents)
• I will marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda (Nairobi Performing Arts Studio)
• Blessed Be the Fruit (Prevail Presents)
• Speak Their Names (Jigsaw Limited)
• Mekatilili wa Menza (Woodcreek School)

Best Spoken Word Production

• Mufasa for President (Mufasa Poet)
• Vita Vya Vina (Upgrade Poetry)
• The Other Things and Love (Gufy)

Best Standup Comedy Production

• Because You Said So
• Manmade Woman (Astar Productions)
• Punchline Comedy (Sticks and Stones Ltd)
• Our Father Who Laughs In Heaven (Captain Otoyo)
• Standup Collective

Best Storytelling Production

• Mulongo (Kiqwetu Limited)
• Big Boys of Shibale (CMG Poshmedia)
• Something Must Kill a Man (CMG Poshmedia)

Best Male Performance in a Solo Production

• Martin Kigondu (Supernova)
• Joseph Obel (Kundinyota)
• Kimani Wandaka (Jijue: Ishow)

Best Female Performance in a Solo Production

• Esther Kahuha (Manmade Woman)
• Dr Zippy Okoth (Side Chick Wife)
• Anna Mwalagho (The Journey of the Spirit)

Best Breakthrough Male Performer

• Dadson Gakenga
• Trevor Munene
• Vikash Pattni
• Elvis Mambo
• Victor Muyekwe

Best Breakthrough Female Performer

• Nikita Wakonyu
• Cindy Kahuha
• Nyokabi Macharia
• Tana Gachoka
• Shantel Moraa

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (Play)

• Eric Chege (Harukia Konji)
• Martin Kigondu (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Timothy Ndisii (Open and Shut)
• Cyprian Osoro (Coast of Living)
• Robinson Mudavadi (Backstreet)

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role (Play)

• Bernice Nthenya (If The Shoe Fits)
• Marrianne Nungo (Blessed Be the Fruit)
• Angel Waruinge (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Isabela Moraa (Cold Heart)

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role (Play)

• Bilal Mwaura (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Sam Psenjen (Mstinji:The Miser)
• Brian Ogola (Speak Their Names)
• Charles J Ouda (How to have an Affair: A Cheaters’ Guide)
• Nick Kwach (Coast of Living)

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role (Play)

• Nice Githinji (How to have an Affair: A Cheaters’ Guide)
• Clare Wahome (The Dying Need No Shoes)
• Nice Githinji (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Lorna Lemi (Blessed Be the Fruit)
• Nyce Wanjeri (Minja Minjia)

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Monologue

• Nyokabi Macharia (Spread Your Garment Over Me)
• Auudi Rowa (The Manic Monologues)
• Wakio Mzenge (The Manic Monologues)
• Patricia Kihoro (The Sex Lives of African Women)
• Julisa Rowe (Spread Your Garment Over Me)

Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Monologue

• Elsaphan Njora (The Manic Monologues)
• Charles J Ouda (The Manic Monologues)
• Nick Ndeda (The Manic Monologues)
• Sam Psenjen (Voices of the Bible: Kings and Leaders Edition)

Best University/College Theatre Group

• Kenyatta University
• The University of Nairobi
• Strathmore University
• Nairobi Institute of Music and Performing Arts (NIMPA)

Theatre Company of the Year

• Fanaka Arts Theatre
• Heartstrings Entertainment
• Millaz Productions Kenya
• Nairobi Performing Arts Studio
• Chemichemi Players

Best Children’s Play

• Aesop’s Fables (Dance Centre Kenya Junior Company)
• The Nutcracker (Dance Centre Kenya)
• Kesho Amahoro (Youth Theatre Kenya)
• Cinderella (Dance Centre Kenya)
• Mekatilili wa Menza (Woodcreek School)

Best Two-hander Production

• The Island (David Mulwa Production)
• How to have an Affair: A Cheaters’ Guide (Shorts from Africa)
• Bro Code (Unplugged ENT)
• The Dying Need No Shoes (FalmeArts)
• Ichor (Nyakagwa Mahaga Performing Arts)
• Supernova (Prevail Presents)

Best Lighting Design

• Charles Stephen (How to have an Affair: A Cheaters’ Guide)
• Alacoque Ntome (Mekatilili wa Menza)
• Stuart Nash (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Stuart Nash (Mstinji: The Miser)
• Chris Childs and Wilfred Onyango (Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates)

Best Stage Manager

• Mercy Wangui (How to have an Affair: A Cheaters’ Guide)
• Mercy Wangui (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Mercy Wangui (Mekatilili wa Menza)
• Brenda Nyambeki (Supernova)
• Mercy Wangui (Spread Your Garment Over Me)

Best Set Design

• Mr Mbugua (Minja Minjia)
• Stuart Nash (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Lewis Kavoi Xavier and Jairo Obege (Mekatilili wa Menza)
• Brian Irungu (Takataka)
• Kigondu Wanjiru (Supernova)

Best Playwright – Original Script

• Kigondu Martin (Supernova)
• Dr Fred Mbogo (The Dying Need No Shoes)
• Dr Fred Mbogo (How To Buy A House In Kitengela)
• Andrew Patrick, Odhiambo Tumbo (Mekatilili wa Menza)
• Silvia Cassini (Speak Their Names)

Best Adaptation

• Shalini Bhalla-Lucas – The Manic Monologues
• The Miser Cast (Molière) – Mstinji: The Miser
• Karen Kaz Lucas (Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah) – The Sex Lives of African Women
• Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil – Les Misérables
• Dance Centre Kenya – Aesop’s Fables

Best Lighting Design

• Charles Stephen (How to have an Affair: A Cheaters’ Guide)
• Alacoque Ntome (Mekatilili wa Menza)
• Stuart Nash (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Stuart Nash (Mstinji – The Miser)
• Chris Childs and Wilfred Onyango (Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates)

Best Costume Design

• Christina Baya and Philine Olesi (Mekatilili wa Menza)
• Philline Olesi (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Antonia Mukandie (The Nutcracker)
• Native Woman (Circus Mother Nature)
• Antonia Mukandie (Cinderella)

Best Kikwetu Production (Vernacular Shows)

• Minja Minjia (Fanaka Arts Theatre)
• Ngahiika Ndeenda (Nairobi Performing Arts Studio)
• Kina Obirore (Mkisii Ni Mkisii)
• Chimidzi Midzi (Jukwaa Arts)
• Bugotuona (Njota Cia Meru)

Best Director

• Martin Kigondu (Blessed Be the Fruit)
• Jazz Moll (Kesho Amahoro)
• Stuart Nash (I Will Marry When I Want/Ngahiika Ndeenda)
• Lewis Kavoi Xavier (Mekatilili wa Menza)
• Alacoque Ntome (The Dying Need No Shoes)

The 2nd Edition of the KENYA THEATRE AWARDS CEREMONY will take place at the Kenya National Theatre on Thursday the 23rd of February. See you there

#TwendeTheatre

BACK TO BASICS BACK WITH A BANG!

Bringing the stage back to life

From the makers of; Strangers by Blood (2018), Mutual Misery (2018), Legally Insane (2018), Breathe I(2018),II(2019),III(2021), Free fall (2019) and many more, BACK TO BASICS is back with another riveting play.

Created by Mbeki Mwalimu,

MARKET PRICE explores the stark reality of children and young adults in low income areas whose only choice is to survive.

“We all have things we consider priceless, Family, Love, Innocence and Children. Now, consider someone ripping these away from you and there was nothing you could do about it and this became your forever life…

brace yourselves for another riveting play that will linger in your mind long after the curtains fall.” Back to Basics via Instagram.

Directed by Wakio Mzenge (County 49)

in her directorial debut, produced by Masuti Mwalimu and written by Saumu Kombo (Breathe III), MARKET PRICE features a renowned cast consisting of; Mwikali Mary (Breathe III),Vivian Gichuhi (Tapeli), Cosmas Kirui (Son of Agich), Wendy Jebet (Simba Bazenga), Chadota Sandra (Flash Squad), Mkamzee Mwatele (Mali), Basil Mungai (Click Click Bang), Nick Ndeda (18 Hours), Shiviske Shivisi (Disconnect), Nyokabi Macharia (Maempress) and Charles Stephen in charge of lighting.

MARKET PRICE will be staged at the Jain Bhavan (Loresho Ridge next to Loresho Primary School) on December 3rd and 4th at 3pm and 6pm.

Tickets are available now on http://ticketsasa.com

Be There

Kenya International Theatre Festivals 2022 7th Edition

In the year 2014,a program investing in and enabling theatre artists and projects by providing platforms, systems and resources for the growth of the theatre industry and the performing arts in general was born and was named the KENYA INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL (KITFest)

Spearheaded by Kevin Kimani (Founder)

, Fedari Oyagi (Festival Director)

and Michael Pundo (CEO Kenya Cultural Center)

, KITFest provides a platform to showcase Kenyan theatre to the world and stimulate artists and audiences by bringing International theatrical performances to Kenya. The Festival is also geared towards a celebration of outstanding performances and productions while promoting diverse cultural practices. Theatre artists, practitioners and professionals have an ample opportunity to interact and show their skills and experiences of the industry in the festival.

This year’s 7th edition is held in celebration of the life of Donwill Odhiambo,

a versatile artist whose last performance was at KITFest 2021 and was best known for his performances at Millaz Productions with shows like Black Out.

As the Kenya Cultural Center celebrates 70 years since it’s inception, what better way to celebrate other than showcase performances from all over the country and the world at large, that is why the festival has organised performances from the following countries; Kenya, South Africa, Egypt,USA, and Spain and also Masterclasses supported and facilitated by artists from Czech Republic, Switzerland and a theme night experience by China.

The opening ceremony which happened on the 1st of November at the Kenya National Theatre was met with outstanding performances. A modern dance choreographed by Collo Blue

curtain raised the event electrifying the stage and had the audience ready for what’s to come.

Mufasa the Poet also known as the ‘Kenyan Shakespeare’, delivered a piece titled The Climb with the theme, The Journey of beginning, what it takes, what it took, what is still taking,

spotlighting the process of embracing your gifts and percevering beyond stereotypes.

Writter, Actor and Director Martin Kigondu

 delivered a one person performance titled Supernova. The play follows a man sieving through a love that was, could have been and is, while chasing the highs that come with a busy career and the lows that are survived often in silence. Exploring themes around ambition, love, grief, solitude, family and mental fortitude with both heart and wit and the headspace of man in particular urban isolation.

Gracing the event were the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts, Hon. Ababu Namwamba and the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya Mr. Luke Williams as guests of honour.

“The Kenya International Theatre Festivals is a platform that showcases Kenya and tells Kenya’s story. It is important to know the story for us to tell the story, this is where we learn the story.”

a statement by Hon. Ababu Namwamba while affirming that the government is ready to make reforms in the art sector one of them being renovating the Kenya National Theatre and for artists to hold him accountable to the promises made.

The Kenya International Theatre Festivals is currently ongoing from the 1st to the 13th of November with a total of 22 shows lined up. Visit http://www.kitfest.co.ke to learn about the shows and ticket purchasing.

Tukutane KITFest 2022

SMASHING STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH THEATRE

“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.

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.

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

CHEMI CHEMI PLAYERS gives a heartwarming comeback

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.

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

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

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