“The goal of life is rapture. Art is the way we experience it. Art is the transforming experience,” said American writer Joseph Campbell. Sons of Muju’s Production of Jaboya, (a second-generation production company), performed over the weekend at Braeburn Theater, couldn’t have made these words truer.
Set in the lakeside town of Homabay, the play sheds light on the poverty, AIDS, and social struggles affecting the fishing community, delivered with a dose of humor.
“The lakeside communities have long been associated with a high prevalence of HIV, and witnessing this on stage, with thespians unapologetically highlighting the reasons exacerbating the menace has been a real treat. Well, art and life are joined at the hip,” said Rose Mwatata after the show.
The play, directed by Mike Ndeda, and peppered with popular catchphrases like ‘Call me Mufasa, oh Mustafa’ and bursts of lively, colorful scenes, had the show's attendees on an emotional rollercoaster.
“It was sad watching ‘Oti Captain’ mistreat his employees, especially when he refused to pay Odongo his dues, opting to spend the boat earnings on prostitutes. But when Odongo got with his girl, who later disappeared with Oti’s money, I felt a little justice was served,” said Michael Ochieng.
Renowned literary figures graced the sold-out show, and artists like Mumbi Kaigwa, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Arts and Culture on the African continent, and Kithaka Wa Mberia, author of the Kifo Kisimani novel.
Beyond the mainstage performances, guests browsed stalls offering handcrafted jewelry and branded keepsakes like t-shirts and hoodies.
“A stage like this provides an opportunity to share my message of hope & Agape love to the world while also making money off my customized merchandise of t-shirts and hoodies,” said vendor Jasper, who had his products on display.
As the weekend closed on the two-day show, theatre lovers were left asking when, next, Sons of Muju would bring the theatre scene to a standstill with their masterpieces, for the artist has one function: to affirm and glorify life.
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