Creatives to wait longer as Nakuru Players Theatre remains closed due to internal wrangles
Actors during the showcase of 'Mstinji' play at the Nakuru players Theatre
After an exhilarating year of non-stop plays and shows that kept the arts community busy, the Nakuru Players Theatre seems to have returned to its dormant years.
Three months into 2025, the once active theatre remains dormant, leaving theatre lovers like me with limited options for weekend entertainment.
At the beginning of the year, I was optimistic that the momentum of 2024 would continue, with even more shows and performances.
But that has not been the case, instead there seems to be an ugly show going on behind the curtains.
According to Nakuru Players Theatre chairman Eric Wanyama, the slowdown is due to governance issues that he says they first need to address.
"We have suspended all activities to streamline internal matters and ensure that we maintain the integrity and vision of the theatre," explains Wanyama.
He admits that the shutdown has had a negative impact on creatives who rely on the space, and expresses hope that the facility will be fully operational once the issues are resolved.
Wanyama also called on the government to establish public creative spaces in Nakuru to complement the private theatre.
"The theatre is a private institution, but there should also be a public space where creatives can showcase their work, especially at times like this when we are dealing with internal challenges," he says.
Despite the current hiatus, Wanyama assures that the changes being implemented will not only improve the quality of productions, but also increase their frequency.
The theatre continues to stage set-book plays for high school students.
Concerns about the management of the theatre surfaced last month when conflicting statements were issued within 24 hours.
On February 7, one statement claimed that Wanyama had been removed from his position and no longer had the authority to represent or transact on behalf of the Nakuru Players Theatre.
However, the following day, a new statement appeared on the theatre's official Facebook page, clarifying that the society had regained control of its social media accounts after unauthorised access.
This turmoil comes after a remarkable year in 2024, when the Nakuru Players Theatre saw a surge in artistic performances and audience attendance.
The venue had been hosting at least two plays or events a month, marking a significant shift in the local theatre scene.
Now, as creatives and theatre lovers wait for the dust to settle, the question remains - how long will Nakuru Players Theatre remain silent?