Mariam Ndagire’s ‘Heart Trick’
Feb 08, 2007
Play: Akangodiira: The Heart Trick<br>Playwright: Mariam Ndagire<br>Director: Abbey Mukiibi <br>Performed by: Afri-talent and Eagle’s Productions<br>Showing at: Bat Valley<br>Reviewed by: Emmanuel Ssejjengo
Play: Akangodiira: The Heart Trick
Playwright: Mariam Ndagire
Director: Abbey Mukiibi
Performed by: Afri-talent and Eagle’s Productions
Showing at: Bat Valley
Reviewed by: Emmanuel Ssejjengo
THEATREGOERS feel awkward when someone makes a negative statement about a play that always gets a full house. Outside the auditorium, this sort of play is talked about in high regard and praise.
“It is brilliant,†everyone says. So, to admit that it is shallow, is to admit one’s ignorance of the virtues theatregoers appreciate.
Though it is a notch better than last year’s production, Mariam Ndagire’s Akangodiira, remains tainted with a not-so creative costume, disruptive acting while holding microphones and unprofessional stage movements.
But that often happens when professional musicians step onto the theatre stage to act.
A populist musical, Akangodiira is awash with all the popular songs of Eagles’ Production in the last few years and Mariam Ndagire also features with some of her latest songs. Many of the songs seem to be forced into the storyline, more so the new ones.
So, the story of a waiter, Lukyamuzi (Mesach Ssemakula) falling in love with two girls (Jennifer Kabanda and Stecia Mayanja) and having to compete with richer men is interrupted with numerous sub-plots in order to create room for songs like Ronald Mayinja’s Tulikubukenke and Fred Maiso’s songs. Even Irene Namatovu’s Best Friend gets space.
Everyone seems to love the play for its high profile cast. But for the critics, it is the emotion Abbey Mukiibi lends to the story that makes it work.
He is brilliant in his portrayal as a man unwilling to give his daughter away; a businessman who has been conned by a friend (Ronald Mayinja); and a faithful husband whose wife (Mariam Ndagire) has failed to give birth to a son.
Playwright: Mariam Ndagire
Director: Abbey Mukiibi
Performed by: Afri-talent and Eagle’s Productions
Showing at: Bat Valley
Reviewed by: Emmanuel Ssejjengo
THEATREGOERS feel awkward when someone makes a negative statement about a play that always gets a full house. Outside the auditorium, this sort of play is talked about in high regard and praise.
“It is brilliant,†everyone says. So, to admit that it is shallow, is to admit one’s ignorance of the virtues theatregoers appreciate.
Though it is a notch better than last year’s production, Mariam Ndagire’s Akangodiira, remains tainted with a not-so creative costume, disruptive acting while holding microphones and unprofessional stage movements.
But that often happens when professional musicians step onto the theatre stage to act.
A populist musical, Akangodiira is awash with all the popular songs of Eagles’ Production in the last few years and Mariam Ndagire also features with some of her latest songs. Many of the songs seem to be forced into the storyline, more so the new ones.
So, the story of a waiter, Lukyamuzi (Mesach Ssemakula) falling in love with two girls (Jennifer Kabanda and Stecia Mayanja) and having to compete with richer men is interrupted with numerous sub-plots in order to create room for songs like Ronald Mayinja’s Tulikubukenke and Fred Maiso’s songs. Even Irene Namatovu’s Best Friend gets space.
Everyone seems to love the play for its high profile cast. But for the critics, it is the emotion Abbey Mukiibi lends to the story that makes it work.
He is brilliant in his portrayal as a man unwilling to give his daughter away; a businessman who has been conned by a friend (Ronald Mayinja); and a faithful husband whose wife (Mariam Ndagire) has failed to give birth to a son.