Brought to you by Nairobi Performing Arts Studio with Stuart Nash, director of the acclaimed “I Will Marry When I Want” and “Sarafina!”.
Staged on the heels of Madaraka Day, The Trial of Dedan Kimathi is foremost a story of heroism in the fight for Kenyan independence, turning the British propaganda of the Mau Mau as terrorists on its head.
As all Kenyans will know, Dedan Kimathi Waciuri was the leader of the Kenya Land and Freedom Army during the uprising against British colonial rule in Kenya in the 1950s. He was captured by the British in 1956 and executed in 1957.
The play, co-written by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Micere Githae Mugo, was first performed in Kenya in 1976. Even at the time, 13 years after Kenyan independence, it was a significant piece of political theatre as the play challenged the colonial narrative surrounding Dedan Kimathi and portrayed him instead as a heroic figure. Considered by some to be the most important piece of African theatre, the play’s performance in Kenya helped to inspire discussions about colonial history and national identity throughout the continent.
Nairobi Performing Arts Studio is bringing this important piece of theatre to today’s Nairobians, directed by Stuart Nash with co-direction by award winner Gadwill Odhiambo and featuring Bilal Mwaura in the lead role of Dedan Kimathi. For the first time, the play will be performed in Kikuyu (as well as English), so choose your dates wisely.
The play is set during the 1950s and presents Kimathi not as a criminal, but as a heroic symbol of African resistance and liberation. The British colonial authorities portray him as a terrorist, but the play reveals the brutal injustices of the colonial regime, including exploitation, land dispossession, and repression.
From blatant segregation to intimidation of the local population by British soldiers, the play highlights the acts of colonial rule which would today be considered human rights violations. It speaks to the hypocrisy of the British who stole Kenya’s land, then were appalled when people wanted their ancestral land back.
The play follows Kimathi’s arrest, his trial and his execution, blending courtroom scenes with flashbacks and dreamlike sequences that showcase the history of oppression and the resilience of the Kenyan people.
Ultimately, the play calls for unity, courage, and defiance in the face of oppression, celebrating Kimathi as a martyr and an inspiring figure in Kenya’s struggle for freedom.
The Trial of Dedan Kimathi is at the Kenya National Theatre from 19 – 29 June with shows alternating between English and Kikuyu productions.
Tickets can be purchased on Tikiti, Kenya Buzz and Viu Tickets. or by Mpesa Paybill 4080045 Account: performance date/time.
There is a discounted price of 1000 KSH for GenZ (24 years and younger) & group discount for 5 tickets purchased together (6500 KSH).
Given the recent passing of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, iN expects high interest in this play – buy your tickets while you can!
