A one-man performance that gives a modern twist to Biblical stories goes on stage today at the Nairobi Institute of Music & Performing Arts (Nimpa).
Charles Gachanja is the solo performer and playwright for Charlie the Bible Explorer, a stage piece that weaves comedy, storytelling, and his personal reflections on Biblical narratives.
Retelling stories from a widely read book, such as the Bible, calls for a captivating approach, something that made Charles lean into comic narration of these diverse Biblical stories without changing them, while offering the audience relatable and fresh perspectives.
This is the first time for Charles performing a one-man show revolving around his own character, who he says isn’t so different from who he is.
Charlie the Bible Explorer explores themes of faith, struggle, and resilience through playing 15 Bible characters.
One-man shows rely heavily on the actor’s energy, and to keep the tempo, Charles makes the performance interactive and comedic for the audience.
“I have always had people say that comedy is telling the truth in a funny way.
These stories aren’t new, but I draw people into wider contexts of these stories.
I hope the audience will reflect on the themes,” he says.
Charles notes that some people find humour and the Bible difficult to merge.
He says that he meditates upon and peels off layers of the multiple characters he portrays and recreates scenarios for the audience to understand them better as people.
Further, he hints that there are aspects of the script that the audience would feel are way more personal, and in others, he does not shy away from addressing the criticism that the church faces today.
“I share the story about Jesus kicking people out of the church.
In the show, I wonder if any of us would remain in church if He were here today,” he expresses.
Charles observes that the Bible is a poetic and imaginative exploration that people from different generations can also read like a literary piece.
Sharing that this production comes from the softest part of his heart, the idea for it was conceived in his mind at the age of 12.
It didn’t feel right to him at the time, but it continued developing Charlie the character within himself.
“The story has been living in my mind ever since, and I would think about whether to share it or keep it to myself.
Fellow thespian Victor Muyekwe encouraged me to work on it,” he says.
In preparation for Charles’ stepping into the role, the show’s director, Victor Koech, got him into physical training such as running, jogging, and breathing exercises.
“He told me that the energy that I begin with in my performance should be the same energy that I end the play with.
Charlie the Bible Explorer is a collaborative production by Chisaina Arts and Ngamini Studios.
Known for his dynamic presence and emotional depth, he has taken a variety of challenging roles that have allowed him to explore both serious dramatic characters and light-hearted comedic moments.
He has previously depicted versatile roles such as those of JM Kariuki in JM Kariuki, Father Michael in Shadows of the Cloth, and Martin in Bordering Discords.”