Nakuru players' theatre comes back to life after years of dormancy
Actors during the showcase of 'Mstinji' play at the Nakuru players Theatre
A few years ago, it was quite difficult to find a place to watch a play on the weekend in Nakuru, largely due to the dormant state of Nakuru Players Theatre.
When I first arrived in Nakuru in 2018, I wasn’t even aware that a theatre existed, and I struggled to find any alternative to weekend partying, such as watching a play or attending a comedy show.
Today, however, the scene has changed dramatically. There are now more artists showcasing their work at the theatre, and the number of people attending performances has noticeably increased.
Nakuru Players Theatre was once known for hosting "Mad Wednesday," a popular comedy showcase that attracted a loyal following.
Unfortunately, the show came to an end in 2019, leading to a significant reduction in the theatre’s activity.
The theatre’s dormancy may have been due to a lack of engaging shows.
However, this has since changed, and the theatre is now busy with activity, regularly hosting at least two plays or events each month.
The theatre’s social media presence has grown, with more frequent posts, reels, and photos.
They have also created a WhatsApp channel to keep patrons informed about upcoming shows.
Additionally, the use of SMS notifications has played a significant role in revitalizing interest.
A new production company, 'A Bunch of Idiots Production,' run by young creatives, has emerged on the scene, staging seven shows so far.
Notably, some of the top plays traditionally staged in Nairobi, like the thrilling "Sarafina," have made their way to Nakuru.
The theatre has also become a platform for tackling tough topics through plays and monologues, addressing issues such as mental health, reproductive health, and family dynamics.
Moreover, Nakuru Players Theatre has introduced a program for high school students, screening short films like "Beneath the Tides" to encourage them to explore the arts.
To further support the artists, the theatre has provided training in all aspects of theatre production and even held a master class for directors.
Should they continue like this, Nakuru player’s theatre could be in the running to becoming as vibrant at Kenya National Theatre.
For theatre lovers, there are two things to do; continue supporting the art by attending the shows and praying that whatever magic Nakuru player’s theatre is on, never runs out.