Kenya’s award-winning theatre production, Big Boys of Shibale (BBOS), delivered a captivating performance in Nairobi, earning praise for its storytelling, performances, and stage design. The play explores the lives of four young men affected by the economic collapse of Mumias Sugar, highlighting the social and personal impact on communities once reliant on the sugar industry.
The Nairobi leg of the tour was funded by Creation Africa and the French government. The opening show was a VIP-exclusive event at Alliance Française Nairobi, coinciding with the installation of the Advisory Board of the Entertainment and Arts Journalists Association of Kenya. The event attracted prominent media and entertainment figures, including Ambassador Tony Kwaka, Media Council of Kenya’s Christine Nguku, Harsita Waters, and journalist Tony Mochama. Guests praised the production for its compelling writing, design, and seamless integration of drama, humour, and emotional storytelling.
Subsequent shows maintained the same intensity, enhanced by vibrant dance performances in the theatre lobby that immersed the audience in the play’s cultural context before the curtain even rose. A significant portion of the audience included young arts enthusiasts, such as the Wajukuu Arts Group from Mukuru, who found the play both informative and empowering.
Following successful runs in Mombasa and Nairobi, Big Boys of Shibale is set to continue its tour in Western Kenya, including Kakamega, Kisumu, and Eldoret this September. These locations are closely tied to the play’s themes, as Kakamega hosted the now-defunct Mumias Sugar Factory, which once supported thousands of families. Kisumu and Eldoret also experienced the ripple effects of the factory’s collapse, making the play’s narrative resonate deeply with local communities.
Tsikhungu Shikuku from Kenyatta University’s Film and Theatre Department described the production as more than entertainment, highlighting its role in sparking dialogue about the enduring challenges facing the sugar industry in Western Kenya.
The play recently received a KSh 1 million grant, awarded for its artistic excellence, impact on Kenyan theatre, and proven track record of success, according to Michael Pundo, CEO of the Kenya Cultural Centre incorporating Kenya National Theatre.
Big Boys of Shibale continues to blend entertainment with social commentary, providing audiences with a window into the lives of those affected by economic shifts while celebrating Kenyan theatre’s creative potential.
