Met with impeccable performances and a unique story behind it, MARKET PRICE a play by BACK TO BASICS, written by Saumu Kombo didn’t shy away from revealing the unspoken reality of what young women in the slums of Korogocho endure.
Zam Zam (Chadota Sandra), a young girl being raised by an alcoholic mother (Lucy Wache) grows concerned of the type of clothing, ‘Ndangari’ to be presise, that her mother forces her to wear sighting that they’re too revealing but her mother insists she should ’embrace’ her body most importantly her legs because they contribute much to their basic needs.
Years pass and as her mother’s health deteriorates, Zam Zam immerses herself fully in her mother’s line of work, prostitution. At the height of it, her mother passes away from liver complications as a result of her drinking lifestyle after which she ends up getting involved in another type of illegal business, gun dealings.
Although bringing in enough money to cater for her rent, a rare thing in her area, she has to continue practicing prostitution as a cover up for her gun dealings.
Things take a turn for the worst as a dealer refuses to pay Zam Zam resulting to a confrontation which forces her to kill the dealer in self defense. She is able to cover up the murder with a false story scaring herself on the face to back up the cover up. Zam Zam falls pregnant not sure who the father is and delivers the baby alone.
Mwikali Mary played an older version of Zam Zam and narrated her story with Chadota Sandra delivering a soul-stirring performance as young Zam Zam.
Created by Mbeki Mwalimu, Directed by Wakio Mzenge on her directorial debut and stage managed by Wendy Jebet and Basil Mungai, MARKET PRICE was brought to life by a revered cast consisting of; Chadota Sandra, Vivian Nyawira, Cosmas Kirui, Basil Mungai, Shiviske Shivisi, Valentine Njeru, Lucy Wache, Stefen Mwangi, Brian Mwangi, Mike Ndaka, TimAbel Masters and Samson Ngaga
The story’s approach on the lifestyle in Korogocho not only from the dialogue but from the set was clearly depicted. The music, sound effects and lightning brought the themes to life driving the audience to an emotional rollercoaster.
Back To Basics delivered a heartwarming and morally impactful piece and I for one cannot wait to hear what they have in store next.
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