In a decaying society, art, if it is truthful, must also reflect decay. And unless it wants to break faith with its social function, art must show the world as changeable. And help to change it.
-Ernst Fischer
By Kulture Queen
Published May 12, 2023
This past weekend (May 6 and 7,2023) Igiza Arts Production took to the stage once again with another satirical and thought-provoking masterpiece that left the audience pleasantly captivated! The play, Kneaded Hands, took a jab at the all too familiar story of political corruption in Africa, with the Kenyan government taking centre stage. This play had it all – from witty satire to clever sarcasm, and the talented cast knew just how to deliver it.
The stage was set to perfection, with every detail executed flawlessly, from the sound and lighting to the impressive set design. The play centred on Kibali (played by Kennedy Kithia), a recently elected Member of Parliament whose personal history bore striking resemblance to that of Honorable John Paul Mwirigi, of Igembe South Constituency in Meru County, Kenya. Its a classic rags-to-riches story of a man with a heart for the people and, of course, loved by the people. The play also tackled the shenanigans of the Raila Odinga-led ‘Maandamano’ protests happening in Kenya, the real reasons behind the Maandamao – private interest over public interest and how they affect the lives of ordinary citizens.
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But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Kneaded Hands brilliantly showcases how top government officials and the opposition use newly-elected MPs to further their personal interests, taking advantage of their naivety, while the general public is left in the dark, struggling to make ends meet. The play drew attention to the harsh economic realities that have plagued past regimes but also highlighted the fact that the Nusu Mkate bipartisan approach caters to the interests of top government officials, top opposition officials, and their families, leaving the average citizen to fend for themselves desi the fact that the average citizens are used in the demonstrations.
One of the standout performances was given by actor Jeff Obonyo, who played the role of Okuzo the President with shrewd but cunning precision. He had successfully infiltrated the opposition through Erima, (played by Lisa Odhiambo), who used her feminine soft power to further her political career She knew how to use her acquaintanceship with the President and Opposition leader for her own personal benefit. She understood the cards she had been dealt with and she played well to serve both masters and fool the people, and herself.
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Another theme majorly highlighted in the play was how religion is misused by the regime. The first lady, Oluyele, (played by Milkah Wangui) is a prayerful woman. She conducts prayer summits and spends most of her time in prayer meetings and even has departments funded by the state for prayers and religious activity. She depicts the First Family as a Prayerful Family and this serves as a foil to the President’s cunning ways. The President flows with the religious vibe as it makes his narrative strong. The first couple also use sarcasm when referring to the vice president who has his ways. Interesting man whose moves always cause reactions on Twitter providing much-needed humorous relief for the President and his wife after heated arguments concerning the ratio of plundering and the development taking place.
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However, the story takes a dramatic turn when Kibali, who had been lured into the opposition by the duplicitous opposition leader, Busisa (played by Javan Barasa, gets seriously injured during a demonstration and goes into a coma. In an epiphany, he remembers his parents’ advice about helping the people, and he gathers them for a peaceful protest, threatening the stability of the government, rather, the newly formed handshake regime. The government and the opposition are finally forced to listen to their demands.
The play was a reflection of a decaying society, and as such, it was truthful and reflected decay. However, it also showed that the world is changeable, and that art can play a role in bringing about that change. The play helped to highlight the struggles of the people in a society where the government and opposition are more concerned with furthering their own interests than with serving the people.
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Overall, Kneaded Hands was an excellent play that left a lasting impression on the audience. The execution of the themes was brilliant, the acting was exceptional, and the overall experience was immersive and thought-provoking. As the curtains drew to a suspenseful close, one could not help but think that Kneaded Hands was not just a play but was both a mirror and a call to action. A reminder that in a society plagued by corruption and political decay, we must strive to be the change we wish to see. Maybe if we actually joined under a genuine leadership, and organized ourselves sensibly, we could change the Kenyan political landscape.
Don’t miss out on the next play, as it promises to be another thought-provoking and entertaining production that will leave you talking about it long after the curtains have closed. So, gather your theatre buddies, grab some popcorn and get ready to be wowed by the sheer brilliance of Igiza Arts Productions!
