Mudavadi applauds Theatre community’s resilience at Kenya International Theatre Festival opening

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has lauded Kenya’s theatre community for their resilience in sustaining the arts over the years.

Mudavadi spoke at the opening of the 9th Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFEST) 2024. The event, which brought together theatre professionals from across the globe, provided a platform to celebrate the arts and showcase the power of performing arts.

Mudavadi, who is also serving in an acting capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Gender, Affirmative Action, and Heritage, started off with a deep sense of nostalgia. He reflected on the historical significance of the venue, recalling the many performances that had shaped his understanding of the world.

“I stand here with a lot of nostalgic feelings and memories,” he said, looking back on his experiences in the theatre.

He recalled iconic plays such as Shakespeare’s works, local productions like Dedan Kimathi, and international performances like those of Bertolt Brecht and Charlie Chaplin.

“There is even more talent that awaits to be harnessed and allowed to blossom,” Mudavadi said, noting the depth of artistic potential in the room.

Mudavadi also acknowledged the challenges that the theatre community has faced over the years. He praised those who have kept the arts alive despite a lack of consistent government funding or support.

“I really want to say thank you for doing what you have done,” he expressed. The resilience of the community, he noted, had been a driving force behind the continued success of the arts in Kenya.

He honoured legendary figures in Kenyan theatre, including Micere Mugo, Waigwa Wachira, and Stella Awinja. These iconic performers, he said, had set the foundation for the vibrant theatre culture in Kenya.

“In this very theatre, the roots of what we may call the new Kenya, the birth of the new constitution, are here,” Mudavadi remarked, recognising the role of theatre in shaping the nation’s history.

Mudavadi reflected on his own experiences as a student attending performances in the same theatre where KITFEST was being held.

He emphasised that it would have been remiss of him not to pay tribute to those who laid the groundwork for Kenya’s thriving theatre scene.

“It would have been awkward for me to deliver this speech without honouring those who led the way and established this culture,” he said.

Mudavadi also commended the organisers of the festival for bringing together performers from 16 countries. He celebrated their efforts in fostering global cultural exchange.

“The courage and time taken to bring all these people together deserve recognition,” he said, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in theatre.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary underscored the value of theatre in promoting critical thinking and raising social awareness. He noted that theatre was more than just entertainment.

“Theatre speaks to what is taking place in the country. It helps you think, it sharpens your ideas and makes you a more analytical citizen,” Mudavadi stated.

He urged those involved in the creative industry to continue using theatre to address important national issues.

“Let us make the best out of this and work together so that Kenya can be a country we are all proud of,” he said, encouraging the creative sector to play a key role in shaping Kenya’s future.

Mudavadi also spoke about the importance of embracing new ideas, particularly in the creative industries. Drawing attention to recent policy changes, he highlighted a 20% increase in international visitors following visa reforms.

“When we open up and embrace new ideas, different things happen,” he said, emphasising that Kenya’s creative industry could drive economic growth and job creation.

He concluded his address by calling for greater investment in the arts, urging the government and private sector to support the creative industry.

“We must unleash the talents that we have in every sector of the economy, and the arts are one of them,” Mudavadi asserted, recognising the transformative power of the creative sector.

The Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFEST) is an annual event that showcases diverse theatrical traditions from around the world.

This year, 16 countries are participating in the festival, which includes workshops, masterclasses, and performances aimed at fostering cultural exchange and collaboration.

KITFEST continues to be a significant platform for celebrating the power of theatre in addressing societal issues and promoting global understanding. The festival serves as a testament to Kenya’s growing reputation as a hub for creativity and artistic expression on the international stage.