‘Nyamgondho Wuod Ombare,’ that is the name.

I didn’t know what to expect coming to watch the production of one of the most famous Luo folklores, but the anxiety was palpable.

Reminiscent of storytelling sessions in kindergarten years ago, the lore formed a key part of early education, not just for its colorful descriptive language and songs but also in lessons of humility and Thanksgiving.

A Simon Samuel Film, the production showed at iHUB, Lavington, brought to life centuries of folk, Nyamgondho and his wife, Nyanam, who lived between the late 14th and 15th centuries in Gwasi, on the shores of Lake Victoria.

“Seeing these stories brought to life in this way is unreal,” said Michael Nyika, after the show. “We’ve heard this great story countless times, but to put a voice, a face in the scene is surreal,” he adds.

One filmgoer had more than praise for the performers.

“After seeing what Nyanam was subjected to by Nyamgondho, all I can say is that he deserved karma thrown at him,” said Sylvia Atieno.

The attendees also had a chance to interact with the cast and hear their inspiration behind the feat.

“It was adventurous getting into the role. I wanted to tell the tale and mix it with modernity,” says Gillian Akinyi, the film director.

“I also strove to show what it means to have and appreciate an industrious woman,” she adds, highlighting the difficulties that befell Nyamgondho when he lost respect and appreciation for his Mikai.

The film also highlighted domestic issues stemming from infertility, drawing attention to male infertility, which is traditionally not talked about.

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