 Special thanks to Hilda with ETH for that amazing interview and the guest just left us a cake. Special thanks to her as well. You can check more of this during the repeat at 2pm or on YouTube at Y254channel and on Twitter at Y254channel and on Facebook we at Y254. Don't forget to leave your name and where you're watching us from if you want to interact with us. Don't forget the hashtag as well, hashtag why in the morning and hashtag entrepreneurship Tuesday. So let me in studio have one is an alumna of Technical University of Kenya, the other one is still a student at the Technical University of Kenya, the other one is an associate and they're here to represent for the theatre arts Karibunisana. So you can introduce yourselves, we can start with the lady, ladies first obviously, your camera is number one. Thank you, so my name is Yoda Helen, Yoda Helen, Karibusana, you're an actor or an actress. Actress. Actress. I was told I come out to say I'm a doctoress, I'm going to say I'm an actress. For the feminism strength of it. Alright, to represent or who represents strongly that it's a lady who's acting. Yes. Alright, next one Karibunisana. Ah, Santi. My name is Vincent Murimi, I am an actor but I do well more on content generation that is scripting, writing poetry, I know that, that's a mystery to me. Mystery to me, I bet there are DMs coming here. Ah, that's the truth, Karibunisana. Alright, my name is Vincent Imseri, aka the big baby. Yes, I am a performing artist, I sing, I write. I act and I do comedy. And you do comedy as well. Yes. The big baby is your, is your nickname? Your brand name. Your brand name? Yes. Then what do you do? Ah, I come to. I come to and it would be rude to tell me. Alright. Is it because you act like a baby or you look like one? Which one is it? I guess I can have a baby first. That's up on the beat. Alright. But in the sense, there's an act that I usually do. Then I entertain, I do kids' entertainment. Alright. Nice one. And that's your niche? Yes. Yes. That city, I just entertain the kids only. The big baby entertainment, it entertains the big people here. Alright. Yes, but in a small way. In a small way. Alright. Alright. I like that. If you'd like to be part of the conversation, White Paper Channel on Facebook, We are talking about the theatre arts. The reason why you guys are here today together is because you have an event coming and you have a play that you're going to be showcasing. Alright. Before we talk about this play, I'd like to get to know, at least we know the big baby, I'd like to get to know about you. How did you get into this theatre thing? Okay, so I have been interested in acting for a long time. So when I got to university. You were not doing this in high school? I was. Alright. In drama. Alright. So I began with set books, acting, and then later on we started the arts production and that is this, it has taken us to where we are right now. So you're here right now. You've been interested, you've got into it and now you're making moves. Yes. Nice one. How did you get into this film? Quite an interesting. Having a business administration. Of course. I started before I knew I would start the business administration. It was back in primary school. Very funny story. I just see it to myself. Represent for county. County number 14, the land of opportunity. Governorate for nine lives. Wambora. Alright. That's right. Alright. Now, to go to primary school. When you were in drama, you were in class 7 and class 8. Now you are watching them rehearse. Your mum was there. She had a daughter. She didn't know what she was doing. So I was called to class 4 for a challenge. And that is how I replaced him. He wanted to replace you after that. You were in drama ever since. Up to now. Alright. How did you get into this film? I don't know. I like this one. Mr. Big Baby. Alright. How did you get to link up with them? I got to link up with them way back in 20... Okay, not them specifically. But I got to take them to University of Kenya. And then, Kenyapoli, I suppose. Just for drama. There was some friends that used to be in talent academy. We used to be in talent school in Kakamega. Then, we were called there just to perform. And from then, we performed drama and whatever. So you're from Kakamega County? No. You're not from Kakamega? I'm not from Kakamega County. But you went to talent academy in Kakamega? Yes. What is it about Kakamega and arts and talent? Because even the senator is involved in this particular sector. Yes. I don't know specifically what's... I guess it's just their thing. It's just their thing. And rugby as well. In them, it's like Riftivali and Athletics. Yeah. It's like... What's the name of the company? The company... I don't know the name of the company. I want them to work for me. Really? This is our jacket. Anyway. So, I'd like to know the theatre arts in Kenya right now. We have the Kenyan National Theatre. Yeah, of course. We are lucky to have the Technical University with the... What is it called? An amphitheater. Yeah, there's a lecture theatre. A lecture theatre. We have the University of Nairobi with one... So there are not so many theatres around, per se, that can facilitate stage plays in terms of infrastructure, in terms of all these aspects. Are you guys struggling first? There is a challenge. There is a challenge. Maybe you can tell us. There is a time we were trying to book Kenyan National Theatre. You go there and you are told it is booked for the next four months. You see and you also want to showcase your talent. Yes. This is the capital city. This is the capital city. Millions of people. Yes. And you find we have actors who are coming all the way from Thika to perform at KNT. So the demand is quite high. The supply is low. The demand is high. The supply is low. Yes. So we need more theatres. That's a fact. Of course. Each county should consider having a theatre at least. All right. Nice one. What is another struggle that you think you guys are facing right now, apart from lack of infrastructure such as theatres? I think for quite some time theatre has really died. Yeah, like people have focused more on film than theatre. So that is what we are trying to bring back. Yeah. That is what we are trying as young people to... To bring back. Let's bring back theatre. Yeah. Because that is the original acting. Yes. Before we started with theatre. Yes. That just performing for people like that. Yeah. All right. But we have the age... This is the age of information. Of course. And we consume a lot of things on YouTube. We consume a lot of things on Facebook. Every social media platform you can upload videos now. Yeah. All right. Are you guys planning to link it? As much as it is theatre, at least recorded for a Sadaka to make it theatre to warning. Is there a link? Are you guys trying to do that? Yes. Yes, of course they have. Because so far, social media is a very big platform forever for art. But again, it is not as easy as it seems. Like when it comes to... In terms of if you can make money out of social media and art, it's not easy. So difficult. So maybe as we start to just start as a platform to just showcase whatever we do, then progressively, we try and think about the commercial aspect of social media and our art. All right. People like to talk so much about the negatives when it comes to Sania Paewike. What are some of the positives you guys are seeing in this theatre arts film? Um... What are some of the positives you guys are seeing? Yeah. Especially for stage plays in theatre. We are trying right now to communicate. So it's not only about fun. We communicate a lot of things. You teach. Yeah, we teach. Yeah. So teaching is one thing, is one positive that is coming out of theatre. Yes. What is another good thing that you feel like... I mean this thing for a reason. It's a profession, number one. It's a profession, number one. Very, very important. It's a profession. And people should take note of that. I'm tired. People should understand art is a profession and we are trying to create a culture of art where it is appreciated across board. So while I'm acting or I'm writing, I am expressing myself and I'm doing what I'm passionate about. So that's so positive for me. That's so positive for you. Nice one. What about you, my brother? Well, one thing I'll say that it's... You know, arts, it's about expression. You express yourself. And at the same time, you change lives through arts. Like let's say, for example, in my perspective, I like comedy. You like comedy. I guess that is my strength. Have you always been like this? Yes, I've always been like that. Will you get in trouble, son, because you're there? Not really. Actually, I'm polite. I'm polite, son. I'm polite, but I'm young. So, like, when I do comedy and I see, like, how can you have a pressure on me? 61 billion, you put it. Do you? I'm so happy to see you. If I were you, then I would say... Maybe I'm too much for the job. But you have too much pressure. Too much, too much. Transforms. Yeah, I have a bit of a view, too. So, people... So far, I've seen theatre grow, so far, so good. People are coming to the theatre more often. Just to relax, to chill. Then it's on other avenue, apart from the normal entertainment, going to the clubs and stuff. So you're so happy when you put smiles on Kenyans faces. Alright, stand-up comedy in Pieta. Is your work related? It's performing arts. It's intertwined. Because that's the play, that stage play. It's not just a case. That's stand-up comedy. There are artists that are spoken or done. I came a buzz up with Bo to check it. It's still performance arts. Yeah, it's performance arts, very related. I like that. Though, two times I've been to Kenyan National Theatre. One, it was a play about Jesus. The other one, it was a play written by Anaituananin. This guy wrote the March into Venice. Shakespeare. The two times I've been to Kenyan National Theatre isn't a play that I've played in the past. It's often, but I went last year. Two times I went last year in the corner. It's a play, really. So, critics for the same, we're not telling Kenyan stories yet. Maybe. They have not watched Towers. They have not watched Towers. Which leads to the topic of conversation. You guys have a play that is coming. It's a Kenyan story. What is the title of the play for us? Restoration. Restoration. Restoration is the title of the play. What is the date? 9th March. 9th March? Yeah. Technical University. Technical University of Kenyapu Lecture Theatre. Yes. First time happy? 500 for regular. 300 for students. And we have a couple's offer at 800 shillings. Also, Kikuja and Babes. Can you see my boy over here? See my boy over here. That is the screen. That is the screen. What is a couple? A couple are just two people. That's the screen. You guys are the lighters, aren't they? Someone is waiting for you. You are the lighters. And who are you having to cut your face? Are you? So convince Elvis to buy you a ticket. So, Technical University of Kenya. Lecture Theatre. Restoration. Restoration. Yes. This Saturday. Yes. What time to what time? 5 PM to 7 PM. 5 PM to 7 PM. Yes. We will come out strong as a writer. Of course. Because the script for this, please. play? Yeah I wrote the script. Restoration is based on the atmosphere that is in the country. Everyone is talking about building bridges. So we tried to look at how can we relate. So we were looking at how we can relate the story in the country with something that is so relatable to us. If it's about building bridges, how can we build from the basic institutions that we interact with each and every time? And how can we build a church? A church as an institution that people interact with on the daily. How can we build a church on Sunday when it's getting dark? Yeah in the morning. So we symbolize the political arena in the country. But it's also to mail it to politics in the church. It's not that we against the church or something. But these are things that are happening in the church. Of course. We have had people confess about them. We have had people testify about them. Yes of course. Yes and we seem by some of them by the way some of them. Alright so why did you pick the church? Did you grow up in church yourself? Of course. Alright. At the side of the end. At the side of the bad end. Alright. How did you manage? Alright. As you go to church, you've told a story. You've symbolized the church as a setting of a society, of a Rotten Society, if I'm not wrong. Of course. Alright. So how do you choose the church that you go to right now? And how do you, how is it possible to even believe in a pastor right now when all these things are going on? Okay as a person who goes to church first, we don't believe in pastors. But this is your leader by the way. Yes our leader. What what restoration now try to teach the masses is a look inside, angalia deeply what is happening. If you feel things are not right, please do away that church or just just. Just fine way. You always believe in your God. You believe in the holy book. Yeah because you say. Art is like a mirror. Now we are reflecting whatever we are seeing in some churches. Alright. What role is he playing? I'm playing Amos. Amos? Yes. Amos is like a, I don't say, I was a psychophant or the main pastor. Are you in the play as well? Yes I am. What role are you playing in the play? I'm playing Elikana. Elikana is a church elder and he is interested in being the church leader. So politics, politics and propaganda. I like that. What role are you playing? I'm actually a brothel woman. Alright. Alright. So you own a brothel in the play? Yes. Does the pastor visit? Imagine. You'll watch. Just come and watch. Please remind them the dates, the venue, the time and everything from the lady. Cameracoli number four. Yeah so our play is this Saturday 9th March at the technical University of Kenya Lecture Theatre. We have our regular tickets at 500 shillings, our students tickets at 300 shillings and a couple's offer at 800 shillings. Alright. So I'm a master's student. So you're on a date. Yeah anyway, social media platforms so people can check out some of the tidbits of the rehearsal. We took a my zone to poster and dance. Yeah we have our Instagram handle at Ahtab production. Yes. So Ahtab is the umbrella. Are you all members of Ahtab? Yeah it is our group. Alright who is the founder? The lady. You're the founder of Ahtab? Yes. Wow. This is so sure Hilda is proud of you right now. Yes a lady making moves right here. Before we end this you have to tell us what prompted you to start the Ahtab? I think it's passion. It's passion for art and also just being innovative as a young person because before you get your papers you have to really find something to hold on to before that. So we... In this country that we live in? Yeah so we came together as a team and decided to use our God given talent. Alright so many times when I see initiatives by girl children among my dem I'll say ladies come let's do this. Let's make it work together with the Porsche. It's actually because they're very supportive yes but our girl childs are busy right now. So you're working together. I'd like that we're working in sync. There are girls children on the side, boys children. Let's fight this. What do you know may turn into a competition. Yes when you know what to do. Can you give boys a chance and see if you can work for them. Alright so my brother. Yes. Cameraman number four. So 9th this Saturday taking University of Kenya. Mambu Pali is a restaurant. They have a very huge play coming out there. It's comical, it's tragical, it's musical. Comical and tragical music. It's called Kosa Okujiwe. Kosa Okujiwe. We've got some Kosa Okujiwe. Alright right right. On behalf of Atonga, on behalf of Atthab. Alright future plans for Atthab. We want to go big. This is just a starting. We are looking at a point where we'll be staging a play in Nairobi. We're going to do a play in Kiambu. Two of them. Yeah like a mega tour in the whole country. And also to link up maybe with corporates. And to start thinking maybe about films. But our traditional plays must be there even if you're going to fail. Kenyan stories, stick into the Kenyan stories. Kenyan play local KE contact. Alright nice one. Every year there's a watchtower named Lisa Fonfo. How much is it? Almost 500K. One point something million on a CIT-KCB. A couple of hundreds of thousands who are in CIT-KCB. They're involved in theatre arts. But with the talker, there's nothing for them. Are you looking to mentor some of these kids? Of course we are focusing on that very very much. And we are thinking how we can partner with institutions like we said churches. We hold seminars and try to emphasize and sensitize the need of art and how it can absorb young people. And currently arts have around two Fonfo livers. So at a sea we are trying to absorb. Alright you're trying to absorb according to your capacity right? Yes, yes. And also on the same note like so far we are already working with some corporates. Being something educated for the students in terms of language. Alright so you figured that kids learn the best, the best state of learning come on and go and entertain in the process. Yes, yes. Entertain them as they learn. Right. Entertain them while they learn. Thank you very much guys for coming through. I've been looking forward to that. I hope it's a success. And I hope what you are doing, what you are doing from the other 46 counties, what are you doing on your social media? I'm on YouTube. You can't promise for now. Exclusives. But it's not over yet. It's not over yet. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm going to repeat maybe up again. Alright. Alright. Alright. Alright. Alright. Alright. Alright. Alright. Thank you very much for coming. We appreciate you guys. Arts Hub Entertainment. Productions. Arts Hub Productions. Productions. Nice. On social media? Arts Hub Productions. Arts Hub Productions. Check Arts Hub Productions on social media for more information. They are going to be having a play this Saturday. The technical university of Kenya. Time? 5 to 7. 5 to 7? Last on last night. One of us lost a family member. And he had to travel. So Benteke condolences from the family. Yes, condolences from the Y in the morning family as well. Hildawaditi is coming up next with another interview. So don't go nowhere. Don't take that down.