There's no arguing that the Phoenix of earlier days was an expensive elitist affair. Plays / plots were often borrowed from the West and yes the accents, laughing on cue... But it was always an experience if there was one.

I saw Ian Mbugua at the helm and for a time many new young faces; he kept to the heritage. I received the infamous 'Help Please, theater can only survive with support' emails!

I once walked out of a play at Phoenix. My problem always lay with the lack of adaptation of material to social context, and the sometimes uncomfortable inclusion of themes intimating European lifestyle - homosexuality, multiple affairs etc. And this help please cause, when I couldn't afford it I was never let in free!

When I attended a play in December 09, there was a whiff of change in the air. A new young gutsy manager - Millicent Ogutu - fully committed always there, on a cause, and no pity party. But soon after an email announcing temporary closure then the young lady courageously decided to take on the board, calling for change from the top. She's requested an extra-ordinary general meeting on Fri 5th March.

I'm on the Phoenix Theatre mailing list, and was once a member, so I've seen the opening, the drama, and perhaps the final curtain call. But it ain't over till the fat lady sings...


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I have always been a fan of theatre though more like "more talk and less action" so I didnt attend too many plays. However it would be a shame if Phoenix shut down for good. I wonder where the solution lies. I think the competition for plays comes from movies. If so, maybe to create an ambience that kind of gave movie goers a viable alternative would do (popcorn, snacks etc).... I could be wrong.

so finally i understand how i got 'hooked' to heartstrings... that set understands 'the real' Kenya... from the script...stage... ticket and budget...

let me describe to you how it has been lately... heartstrings has just completed the first showing of 'Kenyan 2010' resolutions....

the script may not be as great as the previous ones... 43rd Kenyan Tribe.... etc. but note all through their plays the name 'Kenya'... as opposed to the remarks noted in the opening post about plays set in towns in Scotland and Ireland...

and the acting and script very much Kenyan... the actors 'free style' in ways that would have been illegal at the drama festivals...

and they replaced curtains... with larry asego... and lately 'jalango'.. larry's commentary on kenyan issues... is intense and quasi-revolutionary... it is correct to state.. no fools leave the theater...

personally for me it helps that he connects with the audience... their continuous serialisation of kenyan affairs... that i can say die phoenix die... you will not be missed.. at least by me..

It would be a tragedy if the Phoenix closed. I never was a regular patron but I watched a number of plays there - and yes, changing generations was a true innovation, one that has been imitated many times since.

At least someone is thinking of improving things.

On the other hand I have been visiting the National theater faithfully for three months, hoping, nay, praying to see even the passing sign of a show, or even a rehearsal. Not a whiff. The Shrine has been turned in a premier league soccer joint and a venue for our resident noise makers to hold press conferences.

In six months of waiting, the only things I have seen happening on the theater scene in Kenya are Eric Wainaina, Churchill and poor imitations of American farce on TV.

It is enough to make a grown man weep.

Phoenix must rise from the ashes.

Lastest update is an extraordinary general meeting was held on 05-Mar and they booted out previous nonplussed chairman. The board of the future is led by Mr. Peter Nduati and includes Ms. Lorna Irungu and Ms. Millicent Ogina.

Hail to the young blood. The future is yours...