Nairobi’s Kenya National Theatre was alive with anticipation on November 26, and for good reason.
Celebrated actor couple Andrew Smollo and Boera Bisieri made history with their first joint performance in The Vows and The Vices.
It was a raw, emotional, and at times hilariously chaotic exploration of love in all its forms. By the final curtain, it was clear: this was more than a play; it was an intimate revelation of a life shared both on and off the stage.
From the opening scene, Smollo and Bisieri commanded the stage with a chemistry that felt both electric and effortless.
The production, a tragicomedy penned by Emmanuel Chindia and Ted Munene and curated by Muraya Wanjoki, navigated the messy, beautiful realities of modern relationships; tender romance, painful missteps, and laughter born out of the chaos of love.
Smollo plays Fred while Bisieri plays Sheila. The plots start with Sheila arriving at her city home from upcountry and in her matrimonial home, she finds Natasha, Smollo’s ex and baby mama.
Bisieri’s performance was impressive. Her ability to oscillate between humor and heartbreak gave the character layers that drew the audience in completely.
Smollo, equally compelling, brought depth and charm to his role, seamlessly balancing comedic timing with moments of quiet, profound emotion. Together, they transformed their real-life partnership into a captivating stage narrative that was impossible to look away from.
Director Ben Tekee’s guidance was evident in every scene. His vision for the two-hander was intimate yet expansive, capturing both the universality of love’s trials and the personal history that Smollo and Bisieri share. Tekee’s direction allowed the actors’ chemistry to shine without overshadowing the story, guiding the audience through laughter, tears, and quiet reflection in perfect harmony.
The set design and lighting added another layer of emotional resonance. Minimalist yet dynamic, it mirrored the play’s themes: love stripped to its core, exposed in all its beauty and fragility. The subtle shifts in lighting highlighted moments of tension and tenderness, enhancing the storytelling without ever distracting from the actors’ performances.
Chindia and Munene’s writing was equally impressive. Their dialogue felt natural, lived-in, and at times achingly funny. The interplay between humor and heartbreak was seamless, creating a rhythm that kept the audience fully engaged from start to finish.
After the show, the couple shared their reflections, revealing just how much went into staging The Vows The Vices. “This was our first theatre show as Andymaxe Entertainment,” they said.
“We are known for doing theatre and film classes for children, helping them discover their talent, but this time, we staged the performance.
“It was also our first time performing a play together as a married couple, and the turnout was amazing. The main auditorium at KNT was filled, and the reception from the audience was very positive. Many people are already asking for part two.”
The couple spoke candidly about the challenges behind the scenes.
“Working on the project was not easy. We had to put our blood and sweat into it, taking leave from our corporate jobs to focus on the show since it was going to set the pace for the production.”
Performing as a couple was challenging too, they said.
“Sometimes we disagreed on certain things, and we even sought counseling to separate ourselves; Boera and Smollo — from Sheila and Fred, the characters we were portraying.”
They praised their team, noting the critical role of director Ben Tekee in keeping the production on track and production manager Tizza Reginah for ensuring everything ran smoothly. They also described their partnership as complementary:
“My husband is great with people and coordination, while I focus on marketing, PR, and finances. I handled media, graphics, and promotions while he coordinated logistics. It truly was a team effort,” says Bisieri.
Looking ahead, Smollo and Bisieri are ambitious. “We are planning a rerun of The Vows and The Vices, during Valentine’s week next year. We hope to get sponsorship to tour and stage the play in different towns and countries. We also plan to stage at least three plays next year, one each quarter. Our second edition of children’s and teens’ theatre and film classes will run from December 9–13 at KNT, teaching kids aged 3–17 critical thinking, speech therapy, confidence, acting, and camera work.”
By the final bow, applause filled the theatre, echoing the audience’s admiration for not just a play well performed, but a love story courageously shared. “The Vows” is more than a theatrical event; it is a testament to the highs and lows of love, brought to life by two artists who live it every day.