Playing 3rd term politics
Aug 20, 2009
Play: Ekimala Ebita E’mbuga<br>Playwright: Charles Ssenkubuge and John Segawa<br>Director: John Segawa and Abby Mukiibi<br>Group: Bakayimbira Dramactors and Afri-Talent<br>Showing at: Bat Valley Theatre, this weekend<br>Review by: E. Ssejjengo
THE first staging of this play at the beginning of the year was a cause for distress. With the benefit of a star cast, why was the play not allowed to grow to maturity with more stagings?
But now the play has been returned in big ways; elaborate sets, well-known stars, more suspense with flashes of simple beauty, better music and lighting. And just after its run will be another play by the two groups.
Chief Mkwawa (Benon Kibuuka) of the Muhehe chiefdom first appears in a miasmic garb that at once reflects his power over his subjects yet also singles him out as a foe.
And when his power is waning, the benevolent one turns into a tyrant. Yet it is the one he trusts most (Abbey Mukiibi), who wants to take over. But Mkwawa tries all efforts to extend his term in office.
The playwrights are talking presidential term limits but cover this under the pretext of sexual desire. Sex and the fear of impotence are the two central symbols that will draw you in.
With two conflicting camps at the palace, the future of the kingdom is worrying. This is an intimate interpretation of the politics of extended term limits. Fits the description of food for thought.
But now the play has been returned in big ways; elaborate sets, well-known stars, more suspense with flashes of simple beauty, better music and lighting. And just after its run will be another play by the two groups.
Chief Mkwawa (Benon Kibuuka) of the Muhehe chiefdom first appears in a miasmic garb that at once reflects his power over his subjects yet also singles him out as a foe.
And when his power is waning, the benevolent one turns into a tyrant. Yet it is the one he trusts most (Abbey Mukiibi), who wants to take over. But Mkwawa tries all efforts to extend his term in office.
The playwrights are talking presidential term limits but cover this under the pretext of sexual desire. Sex and the fear of impotence are the two central symbols that will draw you in.
With two conflicting camps at the palace, the future of the kingdom is worrying. This is an intimate interpretation of the politics of extended term limits. Fits the description of food for thought.