The Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFest) returned on November 5.
There was a colourful official launch held at the Kenya National Theatre (KNT) and graced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
KITFest is an immersive and enlightening annual theatrical experience where diverse performances and educational opportunities come together to inspire and connect artists and audiences from around the world, as well as enjoy magical Kenya through tourism and cultural experiences, per its official website.
This year’s edition runs until November 17 at the KNT and other theatres across Kenya. It will include more than 16 participating countries from across the globe and feature over 45 theatre shows.
“[The event] promises to continue celebrating theatrical performances from different parts of our country and from around the world, while creating a bigger platform for existing theatre productions and emerging ones,” a press statement reads in part, adding that there will be a burst of stories through theatrical performances to music, dance, food and workshops.
“As they have done in the past 5 years through the capacity building programs in counties outside Nairobi City, programs such as County Theatre Fiesta, KITFest will continue to mentor more theatre companies and thespians…”
The festival’s website lists features of the art and culture experience, including training and development, exchange programs, community theatre and artistic showcases.
“Training in both artistic and business acumen has been at the core of our activities. Through cross-platform and agency collaboration, we hold workshops in each KITFest venue for the local artists and groups, equipping them with skills for enhancing the value and quality of their talents,” the report reads.
It adds: “The presence of an active international theatre festival in Kenya means Kenyan thespians will always have access to the global theatre scene for exposure to leading skills and knowledge, new production techniques and opportunities from across the world.”
While speaking at the festival’s opening ceremony, Musalia Mudavadi praised the strides being made in Kenya’s theatre space.
“Let’s make the best of theatre as we work together and invest more in making sure that the talent that is in our young people can be released to the world.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary added: “The 16 countries that are going to participate in KITFest, we salute you for being part of this, and we thank you because this is an area that speaks to what goes on in society, the reality, and what is going on in the country.”
KITFest is hosted by the Kenya International Theatre Festival Trust (KITFT) in partnership with the Kenya Cultural Centre.
Festival Director Benson Ngobia notes that there will be 56 performances and up to 368 artistes involved.
“As usual, our well curated program will have you reeling in a kaleidoscope of shifting emotions as we sample some of the finest theatre talent from across the world.”
“The program also features a diverse set of activities including festival mainstays such as the street theatre experience, workshops, masterclasses, and the now popular Audio Play Installation, which will be featured for the third consecutive festival this year as part of our ongoing partnership with Pro Helvetia,” he adds.
The director notes that there will also be the addition of a new program, called The Professional Program, where theatre professionals will be treated to an immersive 5 day experience that features high level roundtable discussions, stage performances, networking and collaboration, and a guided touristic experience.
Kenya Cultural Center Chief Executive Michael Pundo describes the theatre as the place “where stories come alive, where we laugh, reflect, and find inspiration.”
He promises that KCC will fulfill its mandate by offering well- equipped spaces for a range of artistic, cultural, and corporate events, and by curating and supporting artistically enriching programs across multiple disciplines.
“Our mission aligns with the Talanta Hela initiative, which seeks to monetize talent, protect artists’ intellectual property, and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth. KITFest is one of the highlights of our programming, embodying our dedication to elevating Kenyan and global theatre.”
