Shorts From Africa (SFA) is an Award-Winning film and theater company based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a strong presence across the continent and online interaction of 48,000 people. The company’s primary goal is to challenge societal norms and provoke thought through its works of art. 
Shorts From Africa has an impressive track record in theatre, having received six nominations at the Kenya Theatre Awards for their debut production, “How to Have an Affair,” and winning the Best Two-Hander category in 2022. Building on this success, the theatre outfit is thrilled to announce their upcoming theatre production, GRAVEYARD QUEENS, dubbed Legends Edition. This exciting play is directed by the skillfully talented Nyokabi Macharia and Nice Githinji and features an iconic cast with a combined experience of over 100 years. The production has brought together seasoned theatre practitioners; Mũmbi Kaigwa who starred in the 80’s Soap Opera-Neighbours & Netflix series Country Queen, Carol “Coach” Odongo who has directed most of the best actors in the country such as Pascal Tokodi, Celestine Gachui, Joe Kinyua and many more, Muthoni Gathecha who starred in the recently critically acclaimed, Shimoni, John Karahahe, a long-serving litigator who featured in the vastly celebrated series Single Kiasi, and Agnes Kola famous for her role in Subira the Musical, alongside a younger generation of performers, enhancing Shorts From Africa’s value as a production company in Kenya, of actively fostering knowledge transfer among generations in the industry, through workshops and masterclasses. 
Graveyard Queens gives the 60’s vibe and revolves around the lives of three African women who have experienced the loss of their husbands. The story delicately explores their journey towards healing and offers a witty and captivating perspective on the universal conflicts faced when moving forward after the loss of a loved one. What sets Graveyard Queens apart is its unique blend of aesthetics. The set and costumes will transport you to Nairobi in the 60s, paying homage to that era’s fashion, music, and overall ambiance. However, it’s important to note that the characters themselves exist in the present day, adding an intriguing contrast between the nostalgic setting and their contemporary lives in 2023.
With well-written, vibrant characters that defy age stereotypes, portraying these women in all their diversity, Shorts From Africa promises its audience an unforgettable experience that will evoke introspection and nostalgia, appealing to all generations in our society currently.
PRODUCTION CAST
Mũmbi Kaigwa
With 40 years of practical experience, Mũmbi Kaigwa is an iconic actor known for her versatility in TV, film, and theatre. She holds a B.A. in French & Arabic and an M.Sc. in management and organizational development. Mũmbi is also a writer, producer, and director. Her notable accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Arts and Culture on the African continent from CEO (South Africa) Magazine. In 2016 and 2017, Mũmbi received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Ministry of Culture, Cairo, Egypt, and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Tunis, Tunisia, respectively. Her take on the play – “Three friends dealing humorously with the subject of love and widowhood.”
Carol ‘Coach’ Odongo
With 30 years of experience as a director and actor, Carol ‘Coach’ Odongo pursued a B.A. in economics and sociology. She is known for her impactful work in TV, film, and theatre as a director and actor. She was awarded Best TV Director at the Women in Film Awards in 2021. Some of her notable works as a director include “Selina” and “Salem.” Carol has also served as a guest lecturer at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication from 2016 to 2017. Her perspective on the play – “Till death do us part isn’t a life sentence.”
Muthoni Gathecha
Muthoni Gathecha is an organizational psychologist, change management consultant, and speaker. With 30 years of experience as a TV, film, and theatre actor, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and an M.Sc. in psychology. Muthoni has received recognition for her outstanding performances, including an award at the Kingston Reel Film Festival. She describes the play – “A play with a serious undertone sprinkled with light humor.”
John Kararahe
Having studied and trained in Law in the UK, John Kararahe is a TV, film, and theatre actor who is passionate about his craft. He has appeared in productions such as “Selina” and “Single Kiasi.” John made his film acting debut in the feature film “Kidnapped” and has been featured in two short films: “A Guide to Dining Out in Nairobi” and “House of Secrets.” In his opinion – “the play explores themes of hope, love, and finding a way to move on after loss.”
Kola Agnes
Kola Agnes is an award-winning assistant director, currently working as an AD at Philit production. She has been featured in a top hundred Women in Leadership newsletter and received a nomination for Best Female Supporting Actress in a Musical at the Kenya Theatre Awards. Kola has worked on productions such as “Too Early for Birds” and “Back to Basics.” She also serves as the stage manager for the Graveyard Queens production.
DIRECTORS AND PRODUCERS
Nice Githinji
As a Producer and Director in the Graveyard Queens productions, Nice Githinji brings her 20 years of experience as a practicing thespian in Africa. She has received numerous awards, including Best Actress in a Musical at the Kenya Theatre Awards, Best Actress at the Sanaa Awards, and Best Lead Actress at the Kalasha International Awards. Nice is also a Co-founder of Shorts from Africa and has served as an Acting coach at the Nairobi Performing Arts Studio from 2019 to 2020. Currently, she continues her coaching work at Talent Studio.
Nyokabi Macharia
Nyokabi Macharia is a Co-founder of Shorts from Africa and serves as a Director and Producer in the Graveyard Queens production. She holds an M.A. in Musical Theatre from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. With 8 years of experience in TV, film, and theater, Nyokabi excels in acting, writing, producing, and directing. Her achievements include winning Best Lead Actress in a film at the Kalasha International Awards and being recognized as the Best Breakthrough Performer at the Kenya Theatre Awards. Additionally, she has experience as a Corporate MC. 
The company is grateful for the support of their esteemed partners, including Igabantu, KCA Student Interns, Peponi Kijani, iHub, Neg Cosmetics Mell, and iStyle Kenya, whose collaboration ensures the success of the production.
More details on the Graveyard Queens Production by Shorts From Africa, find them on their social media platform: https://instagram.com/shortsfromafrica?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
To book your ticket, click on the link below:
https://shortsfromafrica.hustlesasa.shop/
The first runs of Graveyard Queens will take place from July 14 to July 16 at Braeside School, Muthangari Road. Nyakua Tikiti Yako SASA HIVI!!!
Tupatane Shorts from Africa, Legends Edition!
For masterclasses on Arts from the best in the creative industry, visit, https://academy.sanaapost.com/
