Indigenous plays take centre stage

Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Distinguished Professor of English and comparative literature at UC Irvine, is on the short list for the 2010 Nobel Prize in literature, for xxx(add phrase or blurb here from award announcement; Chancellor quote? Christine writing and getting approved quote.[Courtesy]

The Kenyan theatre scene is seeing a reawakening led by a love for plays in local languages. Leading the charge are Kikuyu and Luo, who play with funny names like Rikia Ume (Finish and Go) by Andu A Mumbi Production.

The plays are driven by humour and thrilling suspense to tell real-life experiences. They are also laced with sexual innuendos and playfulness to the amusement of their audiences.

Rikia Ume playwright and director, Njomo wa Nyathira, says he brainstorms for comical titles that are relatable and catchy to the audience.