Phoenix Players, starting February 26, will host 'The Caged Bird Sings' a musical production based on poems by the late American poet, Maya Angelou, as part of celebrations to mark Black History Month in Kenya.
'The Caged Bird Sings' is a collection of selected poetry by Maya Angelou, rendered in music, dance and elocution by Tone Theatre Productions and will premiere at Phoenix Players on February 26.
The poems including 'Phenomenal Woman', 'Thirteens' and 'One More Round' tell a story of a country whose past, present and future is a complex mix of opportunity, success as well as discrimination and perseverance.
It is a story of love, hate, passion, deceit and triumph.
"By and large the poetry is a reflection of Maya's life experience of humble beginnings and later as a celebrated poet, musician, and a teacher of immense social stature," explains George Orido, the director and producer of this production.
In the end the show aims to draw parallels between the American experience and Kenya's explains Orido in between directing a youthful but talented cast.
Among the cast is Serephine Moipei, one of the Moipei sisters, who in addition to playing the flute and the piano has composed some music for the show.
Others include Terry Wambui, Abdulrazak Ingutia, Claire Etaba, Lindah Manja, Collins Onyango, Wendy Kandra, Josephine Wambui, Charles Chizi Ngambi, Marie Wambui and John Kinyanjui.
The production crew includes Nicholas Moipei, as the music consultant, Dennis Edgar Magero, choreographer, and Evans Mbinji as the music co-director. The show is sponsored by the US Embassy.
"I am so happy just to relive these special poems, the life of a true legend and a mentor for many. Maya's story is not only an inspiration to African Americans but also to all women and people of goodwill worldwide," says Claire.
Orido, known for his past productions such as 'Obama the Musical', 'Man Na Warruokne', 'Loud Whispers' and 'Lwanda Magere', is well-travelled, especially in the United States, where he attended the Oscars last year.
He seeks to apply in the show, his observations and experiences gained during his sojourn in America as an International Visitors Leadership Programme fellow that took him through Broadway in New York, a jazz experience in Washington DC, Mormon live recordings in Utah and traditional folk music in Honolulu.
The show runs till Sunday, March 1.
