Kenya’s acclaimed stage play Big Boys of Shibale has received a KSh 1 million grant through the HII STAGE II program, a cultural initiative supported by the French Embassy in Kenya, Creation Africa, and coordinated by Alliance Française Nairobi. This recognition celebrates the production’s excellence in storytelling and its impact on the local theatre scene.
The play, created by a team led by artistic director Mark Wabwire, features seasoned performers including Wabwire himself and Allan Wasike, popularly known as Emperor Shaker. Big Boys of Shibale has earned praise for its unique blend of dramatized storytelling, live music, and choreography, all woven into a powerful narrative about friendship, resilience, and economic survival.
Set in the town of Shibale in western Kenya, the story follows four friends—Lalo Korongo, Juma Ngangari, Saleh Chonjo, and Kevo Bright—grappling with the collapse of the Mumias Sugar Factory, once the region’s economic backbone. The performance uses two narrators, a live band, and dynamic dance sequences to capture the essence of a community in transition.
The jury, led by Michael Pundo, CEO of the Kenya Cultural Centre, noted that the play stood out for its artistic quality, its relevance to contemporary social issues, and its potential to influence Kenya’s theatre landscape. The production was previously featured at the Kenya National Theatre, the Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFEST 2023 & 2024), and the Kampala International Theatre Festival.
With the new funding, Big Boys of Shibale is preparing for a five-county tour across Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, and Kakamega. The goal is to promote cultural exchange, support local creatives, and grow appreciation for theatre in communities beyond the capital. According to Wabwire, the tour is also expected to create employment for artists and backstage crew, while inspiring young creatives in the host regions.
The play’s recognition at the 2023 Kenya Theatre Awards, where it was nominated for Best Storytelling Production, and its win in 2024 for Best Sound Design, cements its place as one of the most impactful theatrical productions in Kenya today.
As the cast and crew prepare to take the show on the road, Big Boys of Shibale stands not only as an artistic triumph but also as a reflection of the power of storytelling in addressing real-life issues and fostering national dialogue through the arts.
