Theatre Personality of the Week – Njomo Nyathira
Theatre Personality of the Week – Njomo Nyathira.
What you need to know:
Ikia Njikie simply means, “if you throw, I will throw”, kind of tit for tat.
That explanation will have to do for now, but for a good laugh, pick up your phone and book that ticket right away.
The self-proclaimed masters of Gikuyu comedy, Fanaka Arts Theatre, are back with the July edition of an adults-only Gikuyu play, Ikia Njikie.
For two years, one cheeky Mwene has been receiving money from his aunt to maintain her greenhouse project, but he has instead been using the money for his own projects.
His aunt makes an impromptu visit to see the progress of her greenhouse. What will Mwene do? Get your ticket to follow the comic manoeuvres of Mwene, and the aunt’s reaction.
Play of the Week – Ikia Njikie (by Fanaka Arts)
Q Ikia Njikie, what does that phrase mean?
A. Ikia Njikie simply means, “if you throw, I will throw”, kind of tit for tat. That explanation will have to do for now, but for a good laugh, pick up your phone and book that ticket right away.
QYou have been doing a lot of directing, do you ever act in these plays?
A. Indeed, I do. I both act and direct. In fact, this time round I am directing myself as I play the character of the cheeky Mwene.
Q How about English plays?
A. Bring them on as well. I am comfortable with both.
Q Any past or current TV work?
A. I am currently doing a comedy show with Njata TV called Withua Wene. It airs every Wednesday evening at 8pm. There is a lot more in the pipeline; things can only get better.
Q What else you do apart from acting and directing?
A. Most of my life’s activities revolve around art. I write scripts, but I am also a farming enthusiast.
Q What is your five year plan?
A. In five years, I dream to see my company Nyathira Media, grow bigger and also see it stand on its own, so that can give more artists an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Q What scares you most?
A. Failure, but I also fear rats.
Q. How do you relax after a hectic day?
A. I like to have my me time, so you will find me on my own. I also love swimming, but only if the weather allows it.
Q What do you wish every Kenyan knew about theatre?
A. Theatre is fun, and also, for the actors and actresses, it is a job like any other. So Kenyans should come and support, and respect the artists.
Q What is your favourite dish and can you prepare it?
A. I love fish and yes, I can prepare it. Just do not ask or expect me to do the dishes after the meal, haha.
Q We just lost Mzee Ojwang’ Hatari; anything you want to say about this?
A. Rest in peace Mzee Ojwang’. He is actually the reason most of us are in comedy. We shall miss him.
Q The Kenya National Theatre (KNT) is re-opening soon. Will you now shift your shows to the KNT?
A. I am not sure. We’ll see about that when it opens, but basically, I love it because it is the home of artists.
To watch Njomo Nyathira, Triza Kabue, Johnson “Fish” Muthamaki, Nice Wanjeri and Maina Ndamiri, book your tickets at the Alliance Française reception, or call/Mpesa 0724-040777, or Safaricom Lipa na Mpesa Paybill No. 151303. Show times are: Thursday July 16 at 6.30pm; Friday 17 July at 6pm and 8pm; and Saturday July 19 at 3pm, 6pm and 8pm. Tickets cost Sh500.
