The county government of Nakuru has reiterated its commitment towards revamping Nakuru Players Theatre through staging plays that people can closely relate to.
It is in line with this that the Nakuru artistes and residents as a whole will this October (24th to 27th) be treated to play ‘Sarafina the Musical’ at the Nakuru Players Theatre.
The Play is being staged by the Nairobi Performing Arts Studio with most artistes from Nakuru expected to take part in.The story highlights the struggle for freedom in Soweto, South Africa, during Apartheid just before Nelson Mandela was released in 1990 and Apartheid ended.
The reenactment of Soweto students’ militant resistance to the Apartheid system, iced by live music and splendid choreography, has attracted thousands to watch the award-winning production.
Having staged several shows at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi in the last two years, Nairobi Performing Arts Studio director Stuart Nash says it’s time to take the performance to counties.
Sheilla Mwavinya, who starred in Wanuri Kahiu’s film, Rafiki, beams the show as Sarafina with Helen Mtawali playing her mother. Martin Githinji acts as Constable Sabela, a home-guard-kind of villain who is eventually killed by Sarafina and other Soweto youth.
And in an interview with this writer on Monday morning, Nakuru County Gender, Culture and Social services Chief Officer Ms Tumme Abduba lauded Governor Lee Kinyanjui for supporting the move.
According to Ms Tumme, the move will help revamp the Nakuru Players Theatre hence a boost to Nakuru artistes.
The Nakuru County Gender, Culture and Social services Chief Officer adding that once the Nakuru Players Theatre is revamped more revenue will be collected. Besides, the artistes will also have an earning as there will be visual-artistic materials that those who visit the facility to watch plays can purchase them.
“The reason why we are staging Sarafina in Nakuru is to help revamp the Theatre where performing artistes will have an earning. We also want to ensure the Players Theatre attracts even tourists who visit Nakuru where they can go join in the evening” said Tumme.
She reveals that already several International schools in Nakuru have shown interest in attending the show.According to the CO, this is a plus to the youths as it serves as a platform to help them learn and embrace the Africa culture.
“Already several schools in Nakuru have shown interest in the show as it also serves as platform to help our children understand the rich African culture” said Tumme.
The show that is being staged in Nakuru for the first time after Mombasa and Nairobi will attract many with tickets going at Ksh.1000 (advance),Ksh.1500(Gate)Group 7 for Ksh.6000 and Ksh.1500 (VIP).
Last year, Governor Lee officially opened the Nakuru Players Theatre after months of renovation where a modern recording studio was set up.
It should be noted that Nakuru has produced leading musicians and comedians gracing local and international stage such as Prof Harmo, Simor Music, DJ Shiti, Uprising Comedians, Kaka Bweha and Babushee among many others.
Sheila Mwavinya as Sarafina (left) in a chat with Mkamzee Mtalele as Mistress, the history teacher. Photo / Suleiman Mbatiah
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