By George Orido

Angie Musira is the newest sensation on the Kenyan theatre scene. She stars in the Festival of Creative Arts play Absent Friends Present Enemies directed by Jacob Otieno. In her first appearance with the theatre company, Musira appears as Diana alongside veteran David Amunga who plays John Paul.

In this comedy written by Allan Ackybourn, Diana has been married to John for 12 years. The couple has children in boarding school. The couple is very much in love but as a housewife, Diana grows bored and lonely.

Angie Musira has a comanding stage presence. Photo: George Orido

This affects their marriage, as they grow distant.

Matters become worse during a party when John’s surreptitious flirting with a friend’s wife Evelyn (Shirleen Wangari) comes into the open for the first time.

This happens when Evelyn inadvertently confesses to Marge (Margaret Karanja) her escapades with John.

This self-righteous friend chooses to confront Evelyn over her affair with Diana’s husband, heightening tension.

The outgoing and extroverted Musira began her professional acting career in 2004 in the play Twelfth Night directed by Ian Mbugua.

Since then, the 26-year-old actress has continued to appear in many productions at the Phoenix Players Theatre including her last appearance there in May in No Dinner for Sinners. Her most memorable play was Cemetery Club at the same venue earlier in the year.

Although Musira’s commanding stage presence is undeniable, she is equally at home with film.

She has worked with director and producer Roby Bresson as first assistant director in Makutano Junction, The Flak and Obohoz.

"I started acting at the age of ten while at Sacred Heart Primary School inMombasa," Musira says.

The outspoken actress is grateful to Milo Ogutu for mentoring her as a professional artiste. Milo is currently the Chief Executive at Kenya’s only repertory theatre, Phoenix Players.

"Milo gave the element, discipline and characterisation abilities that I apply today in my trade," asserts Musira who wants to direct her own plays in the near future.

The director of Absent Friends Present Enemies is making a comeback after a three-year break that he describes as a sabbatical well deserved.

The play opened at the Alliance FranÁaise auditorium on Friday and closes today with the last show at 6pm.

— georgeorido@gmail.com