Sometime last year, the veteran thespian Wakio Mzenge created the Beyond the Mainstream (BTM) Storytellers outfit, a theatre company that will, among others, aspire to bridge the gap between talent and skill.
Driven by the desire to pass on the baton, Wakio embarked on a program centred on capacity building for thespians.
The Pokeza Skills program opened on June 15 to a cohort of 18 creatives eager to learn and grow with coaching from the best the industry has to offer namely, Hannah Gichuki (Personal Branding), Martin Githinji (Social Media Management), Mkamzee Mwatela (Voice and Monologues), Alacoque Ntome (Theatre Movement and Physicality), Grace Kawa (Money Management), Alan Wanjohi (Creative Legal Landscape), and Tash Mitambo (Theatre Acting).
Pokeza Skills Program is a 12-week capacity building program for thespians, designed to bridge the gap between talent and skill, professionalise the craft and build a network for knowledge transfer and mentorship,” Wakio Mzenge, via Instagram.
What followed the unveiling in the twelve weeks would lay a foundation not only for the creatives’ future endeavours after the program but also for the final showcase done at the Kenya Cultural Centre on September 3, 2024.
In the showcase, Bright (Edwin Ekirapa), a visually-impaired young man takes us through his life as a teen. His younger self (Pablo), navigates his teen years with the zeal of becoming an acclaimed poet whilst discovering love for the first time. His loving mother (Cynthia Nyakio) ensures a steadfast and disciplined upbringing for the young Bright, but this is cut short after a blast snatches his eyesight and cripples Sally (Alexandra Sally), an aspiring dancer and his love interest, in the explosion that had fatalities.
Presently, Sally lives her dream as she coaches young dancers with the undeterred support of her husband, Bright who dreams of leading an orchestra of poets.
A well-structured and emotionally evoking piece, this showcase was a testament to what well-nurtured teamwork and mentorship can bring to the stage.
Kongole to Namalwa, Adam Kamuli, Shatem Comedian, Tashar Moraa, Edwin Ekirapa, Jorie Samoka, Kaswii, Nick Kuriah, Mercy Kajuju, Faith Wambui. Pablo, Alexandra Sally, Nissy Ogweno, Cyntia Nyakio, Majestic, Maureen Mithamo, Brian Gaitan, and Ann Nyawino for your heartfelt performance.
And to Wakio Mzenge for such an inspiring initiative.
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