This Valentine’s season, love is taking centre stage. Production companies across Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa are showcasing original plays that explore different facets of love.
The opening scene of The Lady in Red shows Amelia (Carina Rumburger) and Andrew (Sam Psenjen) celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary in their living room. Five years later, they meet in the same room again, this time discussing divorce in the presence of a lawyer.
The interracial couple wonders how their marriage reached this breaking point, and it is revealed gradually that they have faced clashing cultural expectations, such as Andrew’s desire to have children. As they confront buried resentments, they are left questioning whether love is enough or if they should part ways.
The Lady in Red is an original script by award-winning playwright Mavin Kibicho. It opened at the Cheche Gallery, Kenya National Theatre, on Thursday, February 12, and ran through Saturday.
At Nairobi Cinema, comedy takes centre stage in the Valentine’s conversation with Nyuka Onge Kwero, a rib-cracking Luo play staged on February 14. The title translates to “Porridge has no restrictions (have you drunk yours?)”
Written by Joan Arigi and Alvins Kasuku, and directed by Peter Auma Ongere, the play explores infidelity and love triangles on the eve of Valentine’s Day. Osuko, the man of the house (Alvins Kasuku), is not ready to go out with his wife.
Unknown to her at first, he has been seeing a mistress he met three years ago, despite marrying last year. When the mistress calls, Osuko decides to spend time with her at a hotel in Mombasa. His wife, unaware of the truth, thinks the gesture is a romantic surprise meant for her.
At KU’s Harambee Hall, DOTS (Dowry of a Thousand Sunsets) transports audiences to the 1950s. Directed by Trevor Asieri and Fenwick Gabriel, this original musical play tells the story of a British soldier who comes to Africa and falls in love with an African woman during the colonial era. The play blends history and romance and is scripted by Fenwick Gabriel.
Jirani Chronicles, staged on February 14 and 15 at the New Kabete NG-CDF Office Hall by Masafa Arts Production, is described by executive producer Hiram Kimotho as a mix of characters who meet in a place known as a Jirani hideout.
At the heart of the comedy is Morris (John Mwaura Wamaitha), a young lawyer torn between finishing his studies and settling down with Amina (Misaki Mghoi). He fears that starting a family now may derail his career. Morris interacts with other characters, including a soldier and a cook, to figure out his next steps.
The play is scripted by Eric Chege Wangui, who co-directed it with Hiram Kimotho.
Chemichemi Players present It Takes Two, an immersive, faith-based play staged at Mayfield Ministry Centre from February 13 to 15.
Directed by Julisa Rowe and starring real-life couple Justin and Sakina Mirichii, the play follows the love story of John and Mary, from newlyweds to more than 20 years of marriage, examining the beauty, conflicts, and faith within long-term relationships.
Economic pressure drives Rings and Red Flags, staged on February 14 and 15 by Igiza Arts at the Kenya National Theatre.
Scripted and directed by Martin Abuya and produced by Wreiner Mandu, the play follows three couples sharing an apartment due to job loss and rising living costs. When one uses rent money to buy a ring for their partner, tensions erupt.
A Play Goes Wrong, scripted by Ian Juma and produced by Fentrico Kandawala, is staged on February 15 at Hindocha Hall in Kisumu. The play blends romantic drama and conflict, presented as a play within a play, led by Rafael Karekei and Rocha Margaret.
In Mombasa, Jukwaa Arts staged 30th Feb: The Date That Never Happened at Nyali Cinemax on February 13. Produced and directed by Ngorobi, the comedy revolves around a Valentine’s date gone wrong.
Greg (John Mumba) prepares for a romantic evening but finds himself the only one ready. The play, also starring Martina Ayoro, Mary Favour, and Paita Bakari, was first staged last year at Alliance Française Mombasa and returned to the stage this year.