The Idiot returns to Bat Valley Theatre

Aug 20, 2007

THE Idiot’s return to Bat Valley from the National Theatre was met with a lot of excitement over the weekend. Unlike many commissioned plays that have gone before it, its continued run for over a month has not led to its loss of magnetism.

THE Idiot’s return to Bat Valley from the National Theatre was met with a lot of excitement over the weekend. Unlike many commissioned plays that have gone before it, its continued run for over a month has not led to its loss of magnetism.

Holidaymakers added to the excitement by their frequent wild cheers, especially whenever a star actor appeared on stage for the first time. Bagganga Mwanga, The Idiot is presented by Suubi Arts Ltd.

Two brothers own an arcade, built on their father’s (Charles Ssenkubuge) land. Mugabi (Benon Kibuuka), the get-rich- quick kind, is out to reap big. That means he is out to dodge taxes, kill his family and avoid any friendships. But someone has to stop him and that person must be close to him. He escapes manoeuvre after manoeuvre with the help of a friend and business partner (Abbey Mukiibi), but it only reduces his scope of escape. Though Mugabi consistently refers to others as idiots, he turns out to be the actual idiot when his empire is torn apart.

Although the plot is rather grim, the humour-filled script makes it relaxing. With references like “Where were you when bullets were flying?”, the play has political overtones.

It is an expose of corruption and the usefulness of paying taxes in Uganda. For next month, the play will tour upcountry towns.

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