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review: confession of a harlot

Hosanna Paratroopers presented a Kenyan rendition of the Mary Magdalene story last Saturday and Sunday at the National Theatre.

While two and a half hours is the most I've ever waited for a performance to start (the power cut before the 2:30pm show and they didn't get a generator until 5pm), the play turned out to be worth the wait.

The characters were localised (to great appeal) while remaining true to the historic script. Likewise with humour, it entertained without taking away from the essence of the story.

There was a pertinent if not an embellishing use of music such as when "Gold Digger" played when the prostitutes were at play (or Mary was to be exact).

Overall, I'm pleased to see a creative and important story staged and I look forward to watching more productions from Hosanna Paratroopers.

review: soul boy

SoulBoy was screened at Prestige Plaza and in Kibera during mid-March. It follows the efforts of one Abila (Samson Odhiambo) in his quest to bring his father's soul back.

I say 'efforts' and not 'feats' because Abila didn't appear to struggle much with each task that he encountered in much the same way The Signs were so blatantly apparent and consequential.

The filming is well executed. Odhiambo doesn't vary his expression much from frowning. But his and Opou's characters are likeable.

There is good social commentary

(to be continued)

Genre: drama
Writer: Billy Kahora
Director: Hawa Essuman
Starring: Samson Odhiambo, Leila Dayan Opou, Krysteen Savane
Critic's Rating: ***