The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) an umbrella movement of local film makers based in Western Kenya.
The Film Guild hopes to inspire the local film makers to dream more of film making, learn new tricks in film making and therefore producing more interesting and memorable films.
The FILM GUILD”S vision is to make the Lake Basin region a centre of excellence in film making and the mission is to produce competent professionals capable of producing films that notch international standards. Its only through quality supporting and film making that we can become the new beacon of film making nationally.
It’s our intension as the FILM GUILD to seek ways and means of moving away from the commercialization of film making to a people’s film industry. A new industry that is not associated with professional mediocrity. Our films should be original and creative. We should not compromise creativity and originality at the alter of greed and short cuts. In the recent past, the region has been to the hub of low quality film productions and a place of cheap film labour force, local arstistes have complained of being manipulated and short changed in the industry by outside forces. This trend should be reversed. This should be our agenda as film makers in the region in 2011.
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya), hopes to create an indelible mark in the film industry through hard work, quality, creative and original scripting. This calls for a concerted effort by all stakeholders:- The region should accept to be spanner boys in the film industry. We should belong at the centre of film making. We need to market film industry to local establishment in the new counties.
The film industry has brought us together so that we can dream together. Tell our stories without fear in our uniquely way and with passion for posterity. We have a choice, to choice between profiteering and creativity. We have everything at our disposal. Lets not be divided to achieve the selfish ends. Some individuals would want to reap where they did not sow, for they see a lucrative market in the region.
As the former President of U.S.A. JF Kennedy stated in 1962 in Ottawa in Canada in poetic speech.
Geography has made us neighbours.
History made us friends.
We have shared common aspirations.
For the future
Our future and
The future of all mankind.
As the JFK stated, Geography has made us brothers and sisters. History has made us film makers and we have shared common aspirations because of our cultural backgrounds. As local film makers, let’s strive for quality film making. It’s a truism, that good scripting is the spine of good film making. World renown film script writers namely: Leighton Grist and David Lusted, once stated that “Writing, like all representation, is never innocent. To write about anything is explicitly or implicitly, to delimit, expand or challenge how it is perceived and constituted, neither is writing ever neutral. We write from a particular position, in habit a particular discourse, which the very act of writing seeks to validate”. From what perspective are we going to tell our untold stories? Are we going for short cuts and borrow heavily from Nigeria as most us have done before? This is Kenya and not Nollywood.
The 1st Regional Film/Theatre/Gospel/Radio and Fine Arts Awards seeks to invigorate cultural and film enterprise in the region by increasing the public’s consciousness of arts and film industry by providing organizational framework that will “market” the local artistes and film makers and their products effectively.
The main of objective of organizing the regional Awards is basically to expose, popularize and support the local film industry.
The Awards ceremony was founded this year to appreciate and recognize the local film makers, gospel artists for their exemplary and unique artistic contributions in the development of local film industry. The local film makers have expanded the space and the dimension of the emergence of local film industry.
The Justification for the Development of Local Film Industry.
The history of Kenya’s cultural, creative expressions, film industry and sporting activities is decorated by some of great talents from the Western region. The region, so to speak, has produced some of the most interesting and memorable creative writers, artistes and sports people. In the world of creative expression, the region boasts of Mrs. Grace Ogot, Mrs. Asenath Odaga, Dr. Margaret Ogolla and Prof. Francis Imbuga. Kenya’s film luminaries like Athumani Kapanga, Joseph Olita and Oliver Litondo. In the world of sports, soccer wizards like Shem Chimoto, Peter Oronge, James Sianga, Ouma Chege. Athletics, Charles Asati, Alice Adala, Kipchoge Keino. In visual arts, we have unique sculptors like Elkana Ongesa and John Diang’a.
A great Japanese philosopher made an observation about artistes and this is what he said “The creative mind do wonderful things but unless the public attaches value to what has been created, they will always be reduced to Toys and Jokes. It is important for those who create ideas, products and unique services to ensure that people see value in their creation. This calls for marketing and publicity. We need therefore, to cultivate a good working relations with the Media Houses to support the local film industry in Western Kenya. What strategies are we going to put in place to market and publicizes our unique services and creation in the region and beyond?
Brothers and sisters, it is a truism, that the various arts in Western Kenya are in the process of decline because they have been relegated to the position of unprofitable enterprises. Unfortunately, such great talents have emerged spontaneously and without organized local or national support consequently, some of the best talents in the region have been “forced” to retire early into oblivion, this has led to the falling cultural and film standards. This has moreover increased reliance on the imported cultural products and film productions. Some of the cultural products have actually borrowed from this region’s cultural potential.
REGIONAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) realizes that tourism has and continues to play a critical role in the Kenya’s economic development. It has also contributed significantly to foreign and employment creation. The local film making will also go along way in the development of both domestic and foreign tourism. We believe that in future, film making will be a profession and not only a hobby. Film making is a big cake for all of us. Through film making, we will celebrate our cultural diversity in style.
The Awards ceremony will be an annual event in the region. We will also expect the participation of other players from the Lake Basin Region particularly, in Uganda and Tanzania (Lake Victoria Basin Film Guild chapters) in 2011. The future is bright if we don’t allow “foreign” meddlers to play Russian Roulette with our film industry. Let’s work as a team.
Film is a powerful social tool for transformative change, for film transcends time and space. It reveals what the eye cannot see. Let us not compromise arts for the sake of sheer profiteering,
Let’s protect the region from film exploitation, greed and manipulative forces. The region should not be reduced to a centre of mediocrity and cheap acting labour force.
APPRECIATION
The FILM GUILD is greatly indebted to the American Embassy for continued support and facilitations of the international film workshops. That has seen great American Film Makers facilitating workshops in Kisumu and Maseno University.
We are grateful to the American film makers like Prof. M.K. Asante, Mr. Scott Galloway, Madam Erin Persley, Mr. Giancalos Esposito, Madam Micks Dickoff, Madam Sandra Ruff. We also would like to acknowledge the Kenya International Film Festival for the organization of the 1st Kenya International Film Festival in Kisumu in 2010 at the Silver Bird Cinema at the Mega City (Nakumatt) and the Kenya Film Commission.
In conclusion, we as local film makers must strive and strategize on moving away from the commercialization of film making to a people’s film industry in Western Kenya.
We wish you a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New year.
May God Bless you abundantly.
Akech Obat Masira
Chairman
Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
Presented During the 1st Regional Film/Theatres/Radio/Gospel and Fine Arts Awards
The Kisumu Area Library, Kisumu
December 1, 2010.
Tel: +254 726 164 954
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Is there a relationship between film and literature?
For a long time, there has existed an interrelationship and mutual influence between literature and other forms of artistic expressions. This has resulted in painting and music based on works of fiction, drama and poetry, as well as literary works emulating pictorial styles and musical structures. The creative exchange between literature and film was initiated in the last decade of the 19th Century. Initially, film was most related to photography and painting.
Literature shares with film the ability to employ the structures and devices of narrative. Sequence of images on screen told a story and this is equivalent to the sequence of words on page. The use of language in film established firmly the connections to literature.
Films, just like in literature, present i) action ii) images iii) words replicating life. Literary works also have a stylistic and thematic basis in a realistic presentation of characters and incidents. Theatre, initially, seemed nearest to film because of the common use of actors and sets. Critics agree that films have a stronger affinity with fiction, especially with the pronounced emphasis on narrative. However, whereas the primary thrust of literature is linguistic, the thrust of film is imagistic/ visual and immediate.
Film draws from the tradition of live theatre which includes techniques of staging, lighting, movement and gestures. From the novel, film draws from structure, characterization, theme and point of view.
From poetry it draws from an understanding of metaphor, symbolism and other literary tropes. Film can extend into areas of the innermost privacy and consciousness just like poetry does.
From music film draws from rhythm, repetition and counterpoint.
From painting it draws from sensitivity to shape, form, visual textures and colour.
Popular film developed with the emergence of the 18th Century novel. Both the 18th Century novel and film relied heavily upon realism as a technique. Early films were concerned, just like with realism in literature, daily lives of ordinary people. The subject matter and audiences were people of low social standing.
An analogy stands out for film and literature. The basic structural units of the novel were replicated in film. In the novel we have: the word, sentence, paragraph, chapter and the entire novel. In film we have the frame, shot scene and sequence. The word in literature and the image in film were similar in so far as they are visual phenomena, both perceived with the eye.
Despite different degrees of explication, both writers and filmmakers use language or languages. Some differences may exist however. For instance, whereas the film is multi-sensory communal experience emphasizing immediacy, literature is a monosensory private experience that is more conductive to reflection. A film is usually viewed in others’ presence who become a larger part of the film’s experience. Each audience member acknowledges the presence of the others. Audience response can also affect perception of a film. A novel is typically a private experience in which the relationship between the author and the reader is relatively direct and immediate. Others’ responses do not impinge on the novel, thus making it conducive to reflection as the reader can pause and mull over or re-read.
The above notwithstanding, the film and the novel are alike insofar as their order is typically linear. Movement is generally sequential and the events and scenes are ordered in direct relation to each other. Whether the order is ABC or CBA, the progression is usually sequential, straightforward and predictable.
By and large, therefore, film is considered as a branch of literature. Filmmakers are indebted to literature in a wide variety of ways. Since literature is a narrative art intent upon creating images and sounds in the reader’s mind, then film is obviously literary- an extension of the older narrative arts. Indeed, the most distinctive quality of good writing is visual: to convey images by means of words, to make the mind see, to project onto that inner screen of the brain a moving picture of objects and events to convey a balance and reconciliation of a more than usual state of emotion with more than usual order. Film is therefore visual literacy (as opposed to verbal literacy), a new medium which is an extension and enlargement of the idea of literacy itself. In contemporary scholarship, everything written, for example, film scripts, are a part of the study of literature, thus film is a branch of literature.
Literature shares with film the ability to employ the structures and devices of narrative. Sequence of images on screen told a story and this is equivalent to the sequence of words on page. The use of language in film established firmly the connections to literature.
Films, just like in literature, present i) action ii) images iii) words replicating life. Literary works also have a stylistic and thematic basis in a realistic presentation of characters and incidents. Theatre, initially, seemed nearest to film because of the common use of actors and sets. Critics agree that films have a stronger affinity with fiction, especially with the pronounced emphasis on narrative. However, whereas the primary thrust of literature is linguistic, the thrust of film is imagistic/ visual and immediate.
Film draws from the tradition of live theatre which includes techniques of staging, lighting, movement and gestures. From the novel, film draws from structure, characterization, theme and point of view.
From poetry it draws from an understanding of metaphor, symbolism and other literary tropes. Film can extend into areas of the innermost privacy and consciousness just like poetry does.
From music film draws from rhythm, repetition and counterpoint.
From painting it draws from sensitivity to shape, form, visual textures and colour.
Popular film developed with the emergence of the 18th Century novel. Both the 18th Century novel and film relied heavily upon realism as a technique. Early films were concerned, just like with realism in literature, daily lives of ordinary people. The subject matter and audiences were people of low social standing.
An analogy stands out for film and literature. The basic structural units of the novel were replicated in film. In the novel we have: the word, sentence, paragraph, chapter and the entire novel. In film we have the frame, shot scene and sequence. The word in literature and the image in film were similar in so far as they are visual phenomena, both perceived with the eye.
Despite different degrees of explication, both writers and filmmakers use language or languages. Some differences may exist however. For instance, whereas the film is multi-sensory communal experience emphasizing immediacy, literature is a monosensory private experience that is more conductive to reflection. A film is usually viewed in others’ presence who become a larger part of the film’s experience. Each audience member acknowledges the presence of the others. Audience response can also affect perception of a film. A novel is typically a private experience in which the relationship between the author and the reader is relatively direct and immediate. Others’ responses do not impinge on the novel, thus making it conducive to reflection as the reader can pause and mull over or re-read.
The above notwithstanding, the film and the novel are alike insofar as their order is typically linear. Movement is generally sequential and the events and scenes are ordered in direct relation to each other. Whether the order is ABC or CBA, the progression is usually sequential, straightforward and predictable.
By and large, therefore, film is considered as a branch of literature. Filmmakers are indebted to literature in a wide variety of ways. Since literature is a narrative art intent upon creating images and sounds in the reader’s mind, then film is obviously literary- an extension of the older narrative arts. Indeed, the most distinctive quality of good writing is visual: to convey images by means of words, to make the mind see, to project onto that inner screen of the brain a moving picture of objects and events to convey a balance and reconciliation of a more than usual state of emotion with more than usual order. Film is therefore visual literacy (as opposed to verbal literacy), a new medium which is an extension and enlargement of the idea of literacy itself. In contemporary scholarship, everything written, for example, film scripts, are a part of the study of literature, thus film is a branch of literature.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
THE VALLEY OF DARKNESS - a play
THE SYNOPSIS
The play “THE VALLEY OF DARKNESS” is an original play set in the Southern part of Nyanza at Lambwe Valley. A valley of magic, blessed with uniqueness. hills, river, wildlife and great waters.
The valley was called the valley of darkness. Others from beyond the valley called it the valley of darkness or the jewel valley, sometimes the foreigners would romanticize the valley by calling it cream valley. Whatever it was, it was a great site to marvel at it was a local treasure to the world.
The inhabitants, however, called the valley of darkness, the valley of meat, for they had insatiable appetite for more meat and more deaths – the wildlife in the valley of darkness moved elsewhere. But the human and animal conflict continued, unabated.
Slowly by slowly the meat supply started to dwindle. The inhabitants were therefore forced to go deeper into the valley of death and darkness to seek new supply.
In the valley of darkness, a lone ranger’s voice was heard loud and clear. The voice came from Joyce, a local woman of the valley of darkness. In the recent past, she had traveled to Kit – Mikayi, northern part of the valley of darkness. Joyce had gone to bury her aunt Mary Adhiambo Nyar Manyatta. It was there at Kit Mikayi that Joyce saw the light at the end of the tunnel - That indeed TOURISM ENRICHES, for she had heard what tourism industry could do to the Lake region if all tourism attraction are marketed Internationally. Joyce looked around and saw the region dotted with tourism treasure.
Will Joyce, Alunga, the Chief and the Officer transform this valley of meat and darkness into a valley of prosperity for posterity?
Akech Obat-Masira
Director, Misango Arts Ensemble
The play “THE VALLEY OF DARKNESS” is an original play set in the Southern part of Nyanza at Lambwe Valley. A valley of magic, blessed with uniqueness. hills, river, wildlife and great waters.
The valley was called the valley of darkness. Others from beyond the valley called it the valley of darkness or the jewel valley, sometimes the foreigners would romanticize the valley by calling it cream valley. Whatever it was, it was a great site to marvel at it was a local treasure to the world.
The inhabitants, however, called the valley of darkness, the valley of meat, for they had insatiable appetite for more meat and more deaths – the wildlife in the valley of darkness moved elsewhere. But the human and animal conflict continued, unabated.
Slowly by slowly the meat supply started to dwindle. The inhabitants were therefore forced to go deeper into the valley of death and darkness to seek new supply.
In the valley of darkness, a lone ranger’s voice was heard loud and clear. The voice came from Joyce, a local woman of the valley of darkness. In the recent past, she had traveled to Kit – Mikayi, northern part of the valley of darkness. Joyce had gone to bury her aunt Mary Adhiambo Nyar Manyatta. It was there at Kit Mikayi that Joyce saw the light at the end of the tunnel - That indeed TOURISM ENRICHES, for she had heard what tourism industry could do to the Lake region if all tourism attraction are marketed Internationally. Joyce looked around and saw the region dotted with tourism treasure.
Will Joyce, Alunga, the Chief and the Officer transform this valley of meat and darkness into a valley of prosperity for posterity?
Akech Obat-Masira
Director, Misango Arts Ensemble
THE MELTING CHOCOLATE - A Play
THE DRAMA PRODUCTION
THE LAUNCH
The East African Community /AMREF
Partnership for Lake Victoria
THE SYNOPSIS
THE TITLE: THE MELTING CHOCOLATE
BY AKECH OBAT MASIRA
This is a story of Betty. A young university industrious, brilliant and committed university student pursuing her degree course at the prestigious University.
The East African Community University based within the region.
During her college life, she meets many challenges in life. These challenges therefore provoke and stimulate her to critically examine the university ways of life and how best these very problems could be amicably addressed. She starts to champion the cause of university students, particularly in the provision of inadequate health services at the institution because of the increased student population.
Her former high schoolmate Mercy, who is a beautiful and an outgoing third year student with multiple partners. She has devised mechanisms of survival at the university. She is highly successful in her operations and seeks to lure parents Betty.
Will Betty succumbed to Mercy’s peer pressure to exploit God’s gift.
A PLAY BY
Akech Obat – Masira
Director
Misango Arts Ensemble
Kisumu (Kenya)
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com
Tel: 254726164954
“THE MELTING CHOCOLATE”
CHARACTERS
Baba (Betty’s Father) – Fredrick Obondi Owiti
Mama (Betty’s Mother) – Susan Awino
Betty (A University Student) – Pamela Kadali
Frank (A Sugar Daddy) – Philip Osula
Mercy (Betty’s Friend) – Mercy Atieno
Doctor Ben (Mercy’s Doctor) – Obat Masira
Doctor Jack (Vct Doctor) – Victor Otieno
Place Here
Time Now
Written And Directed By Akech Obat-Masira
Commissioned By East African Community / AMREF
Presented During The Launch Of East African Community/ AMREF Partnership On Lake Victoria
On The 4th September 2007 at the Tom Mboya Labour College Kisumu - Kenya
“THE MELTING CHOCOLATE”
BY
AKECH OBAT MASIRA
Scene One
(Sitting room. A man is reading a letter. He seems excited with its content. He calls his wife who is busy in the kitchen)
BABA : (Excitedly) Mama Betty! Are you there?
MAMA: Yes, Baba Betty. I am preparing your evening tea.
BABA : The tea can wait. Come here at once!
MAMA: (Surprised) Baba Betty, what is the emergency? Tea is almost ready (complaining).
BABA : (Firmly) You heard my voice loud and clear. Are you coming or not?
MAMA: Yes, coming my dear husband (she sits down attentively)
BABA : (Happily) Mama Betty (laughing). Good news. Good news!
MAMA: (Surprised) Good news from where?
BABA : From across the borders
MAMA: (Perplexed). What do you mean across the borders?
BABA : Our daughter Betty has been selected to join prestigious regional university. The University of East
African Community. (Proudly) What a fortune!
MAMA: Oh my God! What good fortune! The place is far away. Away from our sight and protection.
Remember Baba Betty, she is only eighteen years old.
BABA : Remember at 18, Betty is already of age. Call her.
MAMA : Betty………Betty…..
SCENE I ACT 2
[Father calling loudly]
BABA : (Laughs proudly) I need my beloved daughter right here (pointing) she must sit next to me.
BETTY: Baba you called me?
BABA : Yes, Betty my precious come here, sit next to me and listen………….
BETTY : Yes Baba (as she sits)
BABA : (Proudly) I have good news for you my bright daughter. You have been selected to join the East
African Community University in a neighbouring country.
BETTY: (Happily) O My O My... Baba I can’t believe it. When am I supposed to go?
BABA : You are supposed to depart in 1 month’s time from now. But before then you must get a passport
and a student visa. There is enough money for your tuition but we need enough money for your
accommodation and upkeep.
BETTY: Does the university not provide accommodation?
BABA : Well In the past it was so. But now due to increased student population the hostels are inadequate.
BETTY: Then where will I stay Baba?
BABA : You will stay where other students stay.
MAMA: Is it safe?
BABA : I don’t know. But I hope it is safe, our daughter Betty is intelligent and responsible. She will find a
way. Betty good night
BETTY : Baba thank you for the good news. I will do my best, my parents. Good night
SCENE TWO
ACT I
[Bus stage scene – Both parents bidding daughter farewell]
MAMA: (Hugging Betty intimately, offer caution). My daughter Betty, be careful where you are going. The
world outside there has many ills……..you are a woman……. A young girl………. and remember
there are men outside there with ill motives……… be careful… (Betty moves into the bus and
talks to mother from bus side window)
BETTY: Trust me mother… I’ll not let you down….. (She says waving to her mother as the bus zooms
away)
ACT II
(In the bus, seated next to Betty is a superannuated philanderer “Sugar daddy” with itchy hands, raving eyes for pretty young women. Rich and idle has become his hobby to stalk any vulnerable student traveling alone from one state to another within the region.)
(Sitting next to Betty, Frank the itinerant “Sugar daddy attempts to strike a conversation with Betty to ensnare her to his furtive plot”)
(Fishing a pack of chocolates from his pockets, eats a bit and sighs with delight)
FRANK : ….. Uummm so nice… o my young lady why don’t you have a bite?
BETTY : Sorry sir, I am alright.
FRANK : Come on, come on my bright young lady…. don’t be a sissy…. We’re here to
enjoy life (laughs) and the better when young and beautiful.
BETTY : (Not interested) Please I am not that type
FRANK : (Surprised) Oh! And you’re so charmingly beautiful, so enchanting, so
angelic…and you are afraid of only sweet succulent, melting chocolate…… MELTING CHOCOLATE
(Laughs). And can’t you see you’re chocolate complexion, ebony black eyes…and
look (touches) at beautiful hair…. I haven’t come across anything like it within the
East African Community region…. (Laughs). You’re an angel.
BETTY : (Smiling) Mmmh, that’s some piece of flattery indeed (laughs). You sound like
Romeo flattering Juliet in the balcony.
FRANK : (Surprised but moved) O sweet heart. So you have a voice? Who better can
compete a song bird? (laughs). May I have the pleasure of knowing who my
nightingale is? (both laugh) (Frank touches Betty’s hand softly)
BETTY : (Happily) I am Betty….
FRANK : (Proudly) I’m Frank… better known as Frankie by my best pals. As Frank I want to
be Frank with you. Do you accept that my dearest? (Laughing)
BETTY : (Smiling) Yes, but I am a new student joining the East African Community
University.
FRANK : Are you from this country?
BETTY : No.
FRANK : (Shout in triumph) Bingo! Bingo! That is it, my beauty.
BETTY : (A little taken aback) what is all the fuss?
FRANK : I cannot wait to tell you (laughs)
BETTY : (Surprised) Tell me what?
FRANK: Tell you what? Can’t you guess? You’ve hit the jackpot! (Laughs)
BETTY: I don’t understand has the Bus arrived at its destination? But there is no sign (looks) of a
University around here.
FRANK: Calm down…. Calm down young lady… that’s a non issue… (smile) you are in
very good hands.
BETTY: What do you mean? It’s late and you are saying I’m in safe hands. Where am I going to stay?
FRANK: It is a simple fate. I’m a simple man and yet the richest in the region. And can you
believe it? This bus on which you travel is my bus. The taxis (smiling) in this park which can take
you anywhere are my taxis, the hotels and restaurants hereabouts belong to me including the
apartments offering accommodation to almost 80% of all students in that institution (proudly).
No…no…. I’m not boasting….not at all….but I can host you like a queen (touches Betty’s
cheeks while laughing)…with everything for the house….and just remember this. If you are good
to me, I’ll be good to you (sings) indeed very good.
BETTY: (Laughs) You can’t be serious…..
FRANK: (Proudly) This is the truth and the real truth from the horse’s own mouth.
BETTY: (Smiles) It is ok….It’s ok… I want to go to the University NOW! (Firmly)
FRANK: (Concerned) It’s past mid night. You’ve not been booked in any hotel as far as I may
guess (smiles) I will take you to my private apartment. Betty I can help you. Can’t
you see you are lonely?
BETTY: And how, if I may know?
FRANK: (Removing a bundle of bank notes from his pocket). I know maybe you have no money.
Take this (handing to her the bank notes equivalent of US Dollars 150) Here take 150 US
dollars my dearest Betty.
BETTY: (Shocked) No…No…what is this for?
FRANK: (Laughs) Of course service rendered. You’re pretty, sexy and desirable…very
desirable…and this cash is handy for your future comforts…take it and let me drive you to one
of my hotels.
BETTY: (Firmly) No….what? Do think I’m one of these loose women around who can be
bought like a commodity. Do I look (pointing) to you like a common prostitute? Remember I
am a student! (Firmly)
FRANK: (Surprised) Take it my angel and let me show you the paradise. It takes two to tango.
BETTY: (A little angry and her face creased). No…no…. I don’t need your money! AM NOT A HAG.
FRANK: (Looking at this emphatic rejection - annoyed). This rebellious attitude can take
you nowhere young lady. Everything hereabouts belongs to me. Who will
accommodate you without my help?.....who will feed you if I put my feet down?
You will stay in the slums like those foolish foreign students.
BETTY: (Firmly) You’re fit to be my grandfather….why are you doing this to me? I came here to seek for
Knowledge and not comfort. You ought to be my mentor, my guardian. NOT MY LOVER!
FRANK: Betty I am giving you the last opportunity to think about this proposal. Otherwise your education
here will be miserable.
BETTY: (Annoyed) No…and…no…and no…my education is all I care for…. Not You! Goodbye.
(EXITS)
FRANK: (Furious) Damn you…damn you…you’ll see fire in this country. (Sarcastically) BYE. (Drives his
new limousine away)
(Betty finds company alongside a group of business women and spends the rest of the night at Bus Park. At dawn she finds her way to the University, registers and when it came to accommodation, was told she was to look for by herself. At this point, she was reminded of Frank’s warning, but her resolve not to be corrupted by promise of luxury remain firm as a rock)
SCENE III
(Three months later since Betty joined the University. She is now happy and has made friends. She could not find a decent accommodation therefore she was forced to stay in the slums within the neighbourhood of the University. Betty meets her former schoolmate and a friend within the university. Her friend is known as Mercy an outgoing third year student.)
MERCY: (Excitedly) Betty my old friend and school mate. When did you join the campus?
BETTY: (Smiles) Oh Mercy my dear friend. I’ve been here for the last three months. I’ve really suffered a
great deal. Just imagine I’m staying in the slums! God forbid!
MERCY: Oh Betty my dear have you eyes to see? Brain to think? Look at me critically. We are well off
even if we are students (pointing her) Simply because we make good use of our beautiful
bodies. (Laughs) Betty ech.. (Swaggers alit bit)
BETTY: (Surprised) what do you mean?
MERCY: This is a strange world. A world of men. A world of the rich people. We only benefit
through association with them. All my costs (proud) are catered for by different men.
This is the order for survival here. You still have more than 2 years to go. Open your
eyes widely. Make the hay while it shines.
BETTY: I still don’t understand, Mercy
MERCY: You will understand soon. We women are gifted. Let us exploit our gifts of nature constructively.
God’s gift. (Laughs). We hardly read yet we pass our exams with flying colours.
BETTY: How is this possible? (Surprised)
MERCY: You see I am a very busy person I have to attend to all my partners. In order to get all my needs
(proudly) catered for. I don’t have time to study or do assignments. (Smiles)
BETTY: (Surprised) Then how do you pass your exams with flying colours?
MERCY: (Proudly) I keep a boyfriend in the class who does all the assignments for me I am also nice to all
My male lecturers. (Smiling). If you associate with male lecturers you will pass with flying
colours. Betty do you now understand? (smiles)
BETTY: (Shocked) What a sad world….oh my God! A world without ethics! A world of manipulation!
SCENE FOUR
1 year later Betty in University
A year later, Betty is still focused and active in student activities. She is a well liked student peer leader.
Mercy has been sick…and repeatedly treated for malaria and typhoid. She has lost weight and does not look so well. She no longer has the money to be treated in private clinics in town.
Betty gets to hear that Mercy has not been well and is admitted at the university clinic.
BETTY: (With sympathy) Pole sana my friend Mercy. What is the problem? (Surprised) you look so weak.
MERCY: (Struggling to talk) I don’t know what is happening to me. I feel sick. They treated me for
malaria and typhoid but I’m not improving. I don’t feel comfortable with services here. (Refering
to the University clinic)
BETTY: What is wrong with the clinic here?
MERCY: Since I was admitted 3 weeks ago I only saw the doctor two times. And each time I was told there
are no laboratory reagents. If they prescribe drugs I have to find money to go and buy them in town.
And the nurse (sarcastically) my God!
BETTY: My goodness. Can’t the university do better than this? (Surprised) I must go and talk to the
University Medical Officer. (Smiling) Here I brought you some juice and fruits. I am sorry I don’t have much (Mercy drinks her juice)
(Betty meets the nurse in charge who makes unsavory remarks about Mercy and refers Betty to the University Medical Officer)
BETTY: Good morning doctor. I have come to see you about my friend Mercy, who seems to be
very sick.
DOCTOR BEN: Oh that one. There is nothing much we can do to her at the University clinic. It would be
better if she could go for HIV test somewhere else where better care can be given.
BETTY: How sad for my friend. Can she at least get counselling before we go for HIV test?
DOCTOR BEN: Yes. We can only arrange for her to get counseled here at this clinic. For the rest she has to
go elsewhere.
(Betty convinces Mercy to accept the voluntary counseling for HIV at the University clinic and accepts to go for HIV test. She tests HIV positive but with help from Betty and other friends she picks courage)
(Mercy and Betty are talking. Mercy decides to live positively with her disease. Betty vows to fight for better and more comprehensive health services at the university)
SCENE FIVE
Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre VCT is conducted in the presence of Mercy.
DOCTOR JACK: Am Doctor Jack. And what’s your name?
MERCY : Am Mercy.
DOCTOR JACK: Welcome Mercy. How are you? Please take a sit here. (Mercy sits down opposite the
doctor)
MERCY : Thank you doctor.
DOCTOR JACK : Could you tell me more about yourself?
MERCY : I am a third year student at East African Community University. I have been ailing for the last one month. This has affected my academic performances of late. At the University clinic they have been treating malaria and typhoid. I was therefore told to come and do a test for HIV here.
DOCTOR JACK : That’s good Mercy. Are you ready for the test?
(The doctor then takes the blood sample and mix with other lab reagents. Meanwhile Mercy is keenly observing the testing process)
DOCTOR JACK : Can you see this red mark?
MERCY : Yes, doctor I can see it.
DOCTOR JACK : Mercy I’m sorry the results of the test is positive.
MERCY : What?
DOCTOR JACK : The results is positive.
MERCY : (Breaks down wailing). How will I face the family with this sad news. (She fells down
crying. Betty storms the doctor’s clinic to find out why Mercy is crying.)
BETTY : Mercy my friend please calm down. This is not the end of the world.
MERCY : (Crying) I was cheated! I cheated myself. I misused my body because of short lived
comfort (crying) I swallowed the MELTING CHOCOLATE Betty. Oh! My.
BETTY : It does not mean that if you are HIV positive you have AIDS. You can still live longer
even for 15 years. There are antiretroviral drugs provided free to prolong life by
government.
MERCY : Betty really? (Calming down)
BETTY : Mercy (smiling) yes why not? Mercy let’s use our energy to fight the HIV / AIDS scourge.
MERCY : (Comforted) Betty… I feel relieved. Let’s fight the HIV pandemic.
BETTY : Mercy your encounter with the staff of the university clinic has provoked me to fight for
comprehensive health services at the University. We will also invite you to give talks to
fellow students. In school you were the best artist. Why don’t you use your art for behavioural
change in the fight against the pandemic
MERCY : (Smiling) Yes Betty, drama is the most powerful social tool for behavioural change. Once I
recover I’ll be at the centre of HIV / AIDS drama performances in and out of the University. I
have decided to live positively. I will give testimonies about my life at the University.
BETTY : (Smiling) My friend we have a responsibility to our generation. Let’s talk openly about HIV /
AIDS scourge.
MERCY : Let’s talk openly about HIV / AIDS (smiling) together let’s fight AIDS.
(LUTTAYA’S AIDS SONG. DANCING AND CELEBRATIONS)
END
THE LAUNCH
The East African Community /AMREF
Partnership for Lake Victoria
THE SYNOPSIS
THE TITLE: THE MELTING CHOCOLATE
BY AKECH OBAT MASIRA
This is a story of Betty. A young university industrious, brilliant and committed university student pursuing her degree course at the prestigious University.
The East African Community University based within the region.
During her college life, she meets many challenges in life. These challenges therefore provoke and stimulate her to critically examine the university ways of life and how best these very problems could be amicably addressed. She starts to champion the cause of university students, particularly in the provision of inadequate health services at the institution because of the increased student population.
Her former high schoolmate Mercy, who is a beautiful and an outgoing third year student with multiple partners. She has devised mechanisms of survival at the university. She is highly successful in her operations and seeks to lure parents Betty.
Will Betty succumbed to Mercy’s peer pressure to exploit God’s gift.
A PLAY BY
Akech Obat – Masira
Director
Misango Arts Ensemble
Kisumu (Kenya)
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com
Tel: 254726164954
“THE MELTING CHOCOLATE”
CHARACTERS
Baba (Betty’s Father) – Fredrick Obondi Owiti
Mama (Betty’s Mother) – Susan Awino
Betty (A University Student) – Pamela Kadali
Frank (A Sugar Daddy) – Philip Osula
Mercy (Betty’s Friend) – Mercy Atieno
Doctor Ben (Mercy’s Doctor) – Obat Masira
Doctor Jack (Vct Doctor) – Victor Otieno
Place Here
Time Now
Written And Directed By Akech Obat-Masira
Commissioned By East African Community / AMREF
Presented During The Launch Of East African Community/ AMREF Partnership On Lake Victoria
On The 4th September 2007 at the Tom Mboya Labour College Kisumu - Kenya
“THE MELTING CHOCOLATE”
BY
AKECH OBAT MASIRA
Scene One
(Sitting room. A man is reading a letter. He seems excited with its content. He calls his wife who is busy in the kitchen)
BABA : (Excitedly) Mama Betty! Are you there?
MAMA: Yes, Baba Betty. I am preparing your evening tea.
BABA : The tea can wait. Come here at once!
MAMA: (Surprised) Baba Betty, what is the emergency? Tea is almost ready (complaining).
BABA : (Firmly) You heard my voice loud and clear. Are you coming or not?
MAMA: Yes, coming my dear husband (she sits down attentively)
BABA : (Happily) Mama Betty (laughing). Good news. Good news!
MAMA: (Surprised) Good news from where?
BABA : From across the borders
MAMA: (Perplexed). What do you mean across the borders?
BABA : Our daughter Betty has been selected to join prestigious regional university. The University of East
African Community. (Proudly) What a fortune!
MAMA: Oh my God! What good fortune! The place is far away. Away from our sight and protection.
Remember Baba Betty, she is only eighteen years old.
BABA : Remember at 18, Betty is already of age. Call her.
MAMA : Betty………Betty…..
SCENE I ACT 2
[Father calling loudly]
BABA : (Laughs proudly) I need my beloved daughter right here (pointing) she must sit next to me.
BETTY: Baba you called me?
BABA : Yes, Betty my precious come here, sit next to me and listen………….
BETTY : Yes Baba (as she sits)
BABA : (Proudly) I have good news for you my bright daughter. You have been selected to join the East
African Community University in a neighbouring country.
BETTY: (Happily) O My O My... Baba I can’t believe it. When am I supposed to go?
BABA : You are supposed to depart in 1 month’s time from now. But before then you must get a passport
and a student visa. There is enough money for your tuition but we need enough money for your
accommodation and upkeep.
BETTY: Does the university not provide accommodation?
BABA : Well In the past it was so. But now due to increased student population the hostels are inadequate.
BETTY: Then where will I stay Baba?
BABA : You will stay where other students stay.
MAMA: Is it safe?
BABA : I don’t know. But I hope it is safe, our daughter Betty is intelligent and responsible. She will find a
way. Betty good night
BETTY : Baba thank you for the good news. I will do my best, my parents. Good night
SCENE TWO
ACT I
[Bus stage scene – Both parents bidding daughter farewell]
MAMA: (Hugging Betty intimately, offer caution). My daughter Betty, be careful where you are going. The
world outside there has many ills……..you are a woman……. A young girl………. and remember
there are men outside there with ill motives……… be careful… (Betty moves into the bus and
talks to mother from bus side window)
BETTY: Trust me mother… I’ll not let you down….. (She says waving to her mother as the bus zooms
away)
ACT II
(In the bus, seated next to Betty is a superannuated philanderer “Sugar daddy” with itchy hands, raving eyes for pretty young women. Rich and idle has become his hobby to stalk any vulnerable student traveling alone from one state to another within the region.)
(Sitting next to Betty, Frank the itinerant “Sugar daddy attempts to strike a conversation with Betty to ensnare her to his furtive plot”)
(Fishing a pack of chocolates from his pockets, eats a bit and sighs with delight)
FRANK : ….. Uummm so nice… o my young lady why don’t you have a bite?
BETTY : Sorry sir, I am alright.
FRANK : Come on, come on my bright young lady…. don’t be a sissy…. We’re here to
enjoy life (laughs) and the better when young and beautiful.
BETTY : (Not interested) Please I am not that type
FRANK : (Surprised) Oh! And you’re so charmingly beautiful, so enchanting, so
angelic…and you are afraid of only sweet succulent, melting chocolate…… MELTING CHOCOLATE
(Laughs). And can’t you see you’re chocolate complexion, ebony black eyes…and
look (touches) at beautiful hair…. I haven’t come across anything like it within the
East African Community region…. (Laughs). You’re an angel.
BETTY : (Smiling) Mmmh, that’s some piece of flattery indeed (laughs). You sound like
Romeo flattering Juliet in the balcony.
FRANK : (Surprised but moved) O sweet heart. So you have a voice? Who better can
compete a song bird? (laughs). May I have the pleasure of knowing who my
nightingale is? (both laugh) (Frank touches Betty’s hand softly)
BETTY : (Happily) I am Betty….
FRANK : (Proudly) I’m Frank… better known as Frankie by my best pals. As Frank I want to
be Frank with you. Do you accept that my dearest? (Laughing)
BETTY : (Smiling) Yes, but I am a new student joining the East African Community
University.
FRANK : Are you from this country?
BETTY : No.
FRANK : (Shout in triumph) Bingo! Bingo! That is it, my beauty.
BETTY : (A little taken aback) what is all the fuss?
FRANK : I cannot wait to tell you (laughs)
BETTY : (Surprised) Tell me what?
FRANK: Tell you what? Can’t you guess? You’ve hit the jackpot! (Laughs)
BETTY: I don’t understand has the Bus arrived at its destination? But there is no sign (looks) of a
University around here.
FRANK: Calm down…. Calm down young lady… that’s a non issue… (smile) you are in
very good hands.
BETTY: What do you mean? It’s late and you are saying I’m in safe hands. Where am I going to stay?
FRANK: It is a simple fate. I’m a simple man and yet the richest in the region. And can you
believe it? This bus on which you travel is my bus. The taxis (smiling) in this park which can take
you anywhere are my taxis, the hotels and restaurants hereabouts belong to me including the
apartments offering accommodation to almost 80% of all students in that institution (proudly).
No…no…. I’m not boasting….not at all….but I can host you like a queen (touches Betty’s
cheeks while laughing)…with everything for the house….and just remember this. If you are good
to me, I’ll be good to you (sings) indeed very good.
BETTY: (Laughs) You can’t be serious…..
FRANK: (Proudly) This is the truth and the real truth from the horse’s own mouth.
BETTY: (Smiles) It is ok….It’s ok… I want to go to the University NOW! (Firmly)
FRANK: (Concerned) It’s past mid night. You’ve not been booked in any hotel as far as I may
guess (smiles) I will take you to my private apartment. Betty I can help you. Can’t
you see you are lonely?
BETTY: And how, if I may know?
FRANK: (Removing a bundle of bank notes from his pocket). I know maybe you have no money.
Take this (handing to her the bank notes equivalent of US Dollars 150) Here take 150 US
dollars my dearest Betty.
BETTY: (Shocked) No…No…what is this for?
FRANK: (Laughs) Of course service rendered. You’re pretty, sexy and desirable…very
desirable…and this cash is handy for your future comforts…take it and let me drive you to one
of my hotels.
BETTY: (Firmly) No….what? Do think I’m one of these loose women around who can be
bought like a commodity. Do I look (pointing) to you like a common prostitute? Remember I
am a student! (Firmly)
FRANK: (Surprised) Take it my angel and let me show you the paradise. It takes two to tango.
BETTY: (A little angry and her face creased). No…no…. I don’t need your money! AM NOT A HAG.
FRANK: (Looking at this emphatic rejection - annoyed). This rebellious attitude can take
you nowhere young lady. Everything hereabouts belongs to me. Who will
accommodate you without my help?.....who will feed you if I put my feet down?
You will stay in the slums like those foolish foreign students.
BETTY: (Firmly) You’re fit to be my grandfather….why are you doing this to me? I came here to seek for
Knowledge and not comfort. You ought to be my mentor, my guardian. NOT MY LOVER!
FRANK: Betty I am giving you the last opportunity to think about this proposal. Otherwise your education
here will be miserable.
BETTY: (Annoyed) No…and…no…and no…my education is all I care for…. Not You! Goodbye.
(EXITS)
FRANK: (Furious) Damn you…damn you…you’ll see fire in this country. (Sarcastically) BYE. (Drives his
new limousine away)
(Betty finds company alongside a group of business women and spends the rest of the night at Bus Park. At dawn she finds her way to the University, registers and when it came to accommodation, was told she was to look for by herself. At this point, she was reminded of Frank’s warning, but her resolve not to be corrupted by promise of luxury remain firm as a rock)
SCENE III
(Three months later since Betty joined the University. She is now happy and has made friends. She could not find a decent accommodation therefore she was forced to stay in the slums within the neighbourhood of the University. Betty meets her former schoolmate and a friend within the university. Her friend is known as Mercy an outgoing third year student.)
MERCY: (Excitedly) Betty my old friend and school mate. When did you join the campus?
BETTY: (Smiles) Oh Mercy my dear friend. I’ve been here for the last three months. I’ve really suffered a
great deal. Just imagine I’m staying in the slums! God forbid!
MERCY: Oh Betty my dear have you eyes to see? Brain to think? Look at me critically. We are well off
even if we are students (pointing her) Simply because we make good use of our beautiful
bodies. (Laughs) Betty ech.. (Swaggers alit bit)
BETTY: (Surprised) what do you mean?
MERCY: This is a strange world. A world of men. A world of the rich people. We only benefit
through association with them. All my costs (proud) are catered for by different men.
This is the order for survival here. You still have more than 2 years to go. Open your
eyes widely. Make the hay while it shines.
BETTY: I still don’t understand, Mercy
MERCY: You will understand soon. We women are gifted. Let us exploit our gifts of nature constructively.
God’s gift. (Laughs). We hardly read yet we pass our exams with flying colours.
BETTY: How is this possible? (Surprised)
MERCY: You see I am a very busy person I have to attend to all my partners. In order to get all my needs
(proudly) catered for. I don’t have time to study or do assignments. (Smiles)
BETTY: (Surprised) Then how do you pass your exams with flying colours?
MERCY: (Proudly) I keep a boyfriend in the class who does all the assignments for me I am also nice to all
My male lecturers. (Smiling). If you associate with male lecturers you will pass with flying
colours. Betty do you now understand? (smiles)
BETTY: (Shocked) What a sad world….oh my God! A world without ethics! A world of manipulation!
SCENE FOUR
1 year later Betty in University
A year later, Betty is still focused and active in student activities. She is a well liked student peer leader.
Mercy has been sick…and repeatedly treated for malaria and typhoid. She has lost weight and does not look so well. She no longer has the money to be treated in private clinics in town.
Betty gets to hear that Mercy has not been well and is admitted at the university clinic.
BETTY: (With sympathy) Pole sana my friend Mercy. What is the problem? (Surprised) you look so weak.
MERCY: (Struggling to talk) I don’t know what is happening to me. I feel sick. They treated me for
malaria and typhoid but I’m not improving. I don’t feel comfortable with services here. (Refering
to the University clinic)
BETTY: What is wrong with the clinic here?
MERCY: Since I was admitted 3 weeks ago I only saw the doctor two times. And each time I was told there
are no laboratory reagents. If they prescribe drugs I have to find money to go and buy them in town.
And the nurse (sarcastically) my God!
BETTY: My goodness. Can’t the university do better than this? (Surprised) I must go and talk to the
University Medical Officer. (Smiling) Here I brought you some juice and fruits. I am sorry I don’t have much (Mercy drinks her juice)
(Betty meets the nurse in charge who makes unsavory remarks about Mercy and refers Betty to the University Medical Officer)
BETTY: Good morning doctor. I have come to see you about my friend Mercy, who seems to be
very sick.
DOCTOR BEN: Oh that one. There is nothing much we can do to her at the University clinic. It would be
better if she could go for HIV test somewhere else where better care can be given.
BETTY: How sad for my friend. Can she at least get counselling before we go for HIV test?
DOCTOR BEN: Yes. We can only arrange for her to get counseled here at this clinic. For the rest she has to
go elsewhere.
(Betty convinces Mercy to accept the voluntary counseling for HIV at the University clinic and accepts to go for HIV test. She tests HIV positive but with help from Betty and other friends she picks courage)
(Mercy and Betty are talking. Mercy decides to live positively with her disease. Betty vows to fight for better and more comprehensive health services at the university)
SCENE FIVE
Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre VCT is conducted in the presence of Mercy.
DOCTOR JACK: Am Doctor Jack. And what’s your name?
MERCY : Am Mercy.
DOCTOR JACK: Welcome Mercy. How are you? Please take a sit here. (Mercy sits down opposite the
doctor)
MERCY : Thank you doctor.
DOCTOR JACK : Could you tell me more about yourself?
MERCY : I am a third year student at East African Community University. I have been ailing for the last one month. This has affected my academic performances of late. At the University clinic they have been treating malaria and typhoid. I was therefore told to come and do a test for HIV here.
DOCTOR JACK : That’s good Mercy. Are you ready for the test?
(The doctor then takes the blood sample and mix with other lab reagents. Meanwhile Mercy is keenly observing the testing process)
DOCTOR JACK : Can you see this red mark?
MERCY : Yes, doctor I can see it.
DOCTOR JACK : Mercy I’m sorry the results of the test is positive.
MERCY : What?
DOCTOR JACK : The results is positive.
MERCY : (Breaks down wailing). How will I face the family with this sad news. (She fells down
crying. Betty storms the doctor’s clinic to find out why Mercy is crying.)
BETTY : Mercy my friend please calm down. This is not the end of the world.
MERCY : (Crying) I was cheated! I cheated myself. I misused my body because of short lived
comfort (crying) I swallowed the MELTING CHOCOLATE Betty. Oh! My.
BETTY : It does not mean that if you are HIV positive you have AIDS. You can still live longer
even for 15 years. There are antiretroviral drugs provided free to prolong life by
government.
MERCY : Betty really? (Calming down)
BETTY : Mercy (smiling) yes why not? Mercy let’s use our energy to fight the HIV / AIDS scourge.
MERCY : (Comforted) Betty… I feel relieved. Let’s fight the HIV pandemic.
BETTY : Mercy your encounter with the staff of the university clinic has provoked me to fight for
comprehensive health services at the University. We will also invite you to give talks to
fellow students. In school you were the best artist. Why don’t you use your art for behavioural
change in the fight against the pandemic
MERCY : (Smiling) Yes Betty, drama is the most powerful social tool for behavioural change. Once I
recover I’ll be at the centre of HIV / AIDS drama performances in and out of the University. I
have decided to live positively. I will give testimonies about my life at the University.
BETTY : (Smiling) My friend we have a responsibility to our generation. Let’s talk openly about HIV /
AIDS scourge.
MERCY : Let’s talk openly about HIV / AIDS (smiling) together let’s fight AIDS.
(LUTTAYA’S AIDS SONG. DANCING AND CELEBRATIONS)
END
SYNOPSES 2
PLAY: DR. KIDI – STONE OR SIMPLY THE ART OF DYING
By Oloo Nyamwaya.
This is a story of how some doctors play Russian roulette with their patients by harvesting human organs. As mercy killing negates God’s plan. PASCAL OJOK (LEONARD AKWANYI / JACK OMONDI) is a patient suffering from Manic Depressive Psychosis, a condition that has caused him great “psychological pain” over the years, his personal physician the Marverick Dr. KIDI STONE (CLIF ARAN / HANNINGTONE OSESE) prescribe for him euthanasia as away of solving the problem permanently. Dr. KIDI STONE further convinces him that his death be televised LIVE as a way of sensitising the public to the merits of euthanasia so that it could be legalised. But unknown to PASCAL OJOK (LENARD AKANYI / JACK OMONDI). Dr. KIDI STONE has a lot more up his sleeves ….
Other main characters are: -
Maximila – (Dorothy Awino / Dorah Oloo / Regina Akinyi)
Sister Agatha (Anne Akello / Maureen Samba)
Amos Mulli (Jacktone Hamisi/Tiberius Otieno)
Policeman – (Victor Otieno / Thomas Odero)
All plays are produced and directed by
Akech Obat Masira
By Oloo Nyamwaya.
This is a story of how some doctors play Russian roulette with their patients by harvesting human organs. As mercy killing negates God’s plan. PASCAL OJOK (LEONARD AKWANYI / JACK OMONDI) is a patient suffering from Manic Depressive Psychosis, a condition that has caused him great “psychological pain” over the years, his personal physician the Marverick Dr. KIDI STONE (CLIF ARAN / HANNINGTONE OSESE) prescribe for him euthanasia as away of solving the problem permanently. Dr. KIDI STONE further convinces him that his death be televised LIVE as a way of sensitising the public to the merits of euthanasia so that it could be legalised. But unknown to PASCAL OJOK (LENARD AKANYI / JACK OMONDI). Dr. KIDI STONE has a lot more up his sleeves ….
Other main characters are: -
Maximila – (Dorothy Awino / Dorah Oloo / Regina Akinyi)
Sister Agatha (Anne Akello / Maureen Samba)
Amos Mulli (Jacktone Hamisi/Tiberius Otieno)
Policeman – (Victor Otieno / Thomas Odero)
All plays are produced and directed by
Akech Obat Masira
MISANGO ARTS ENSEMBLE PRESENTS
THE WEB OF LOVE ©
A radio soap opera
By
Oloo Nyamwaya & Obat Masira
EPISODE 1. P1/001/05
SYNOPSIS
Akinyi and Emma leave school late in the evening after attending an extra maths lesson. On their way home, Emma wants them to pass via Alex’s place. Alex is her new boyfriend. Akinyi, a chaste teenager keen on her studies, says no and tries in vain to dissuade Emma from the idea. She says it is risky for young girls like them to visit boys at such a late hour. In her mind she is thinking of the threat of rapists and HIV infections that is ever-present around them. She advises Emma that she needs to change her lifestyle and focus on her studies. But Emma’s hormones are raging and she turns a deaf ear to Akinyi’s counsel. She parts ways with Akinyi as she goes to visit Alex. Alex welcomes Emma into his cabin and is not in a hurry to release her.
Meanwhile, Akinyi reaches home to find her mother fuming with rage. Her son, Otieno, has pinched 300 shillings from her handbag. It’s all the money she got that day from her business selling second-hand clothes at Kibuye Market. Despite Akinyi’s plea that she should talk to Otieno first, she decides to call the police to teach him a lesson once and for all. Otieno, who had gone out of the house and has returned, slips out just as the police arrive. Will the police succeed in arresting him?
CHARACTERS
AKINYI – A 15 year old student.
EMMA – Her age mate and friend.
SARAH – Akinyi’s mother.
OTIENO (OTTI) – Akinyi’s elder brother.
TONY – Akinyi’s younger brother.
ALEX – Emma’s boyfriend and Otieno’s friend.
A radio soap opera
By
Oloo Nyamwaya & Obat Masira
EPISODE 1. P1/001/05
SYNOPSIS
Akinyi and Emma leave school late in the evening after attending an extra maths lesson. On their way home, Emma wants them to pass via Alex’s place. Alex is her new boyfriend. Akinyi, a chaste teenager keen on her studies, says no and tries in vain to dissuade Emma from the idea. She says it is risky for young girls like them to visit boys at such a late hour. In her mind she is thinking of the threat of rapists and HIV infections that is ever-present around them. She advises Emma that she needs to change her lifestyle and focus on her studies. But Emma’s hormones are raging and she turns a deaf ear to Akinyi’s counsel. She parts ways with Akinyi as she goes to visit Alex. Alex welcomes Emma into his cabin and is not in a hurry to release her.
Meanwhile, Akinyi reaches home to find her mother fuming with rage. Her son, Otieno, has pinched 300 shillings from her handbag. It’s all the money she got that day from her business selling second-hand clothes at Kibuye Market. Despite Akinyi’s plea that she should talk to Otieno first, she decides to call the police to teach him a lesson once and for all. Otieno, who had gone out of the house and has returned, slips out just as the police arrive. Will the police succeed in arresting him?
CHARACTERS
AKINYI – A 15 year old student.
EMMA – Her age mate and friend.
SARAH – Akinyi’s mother.
OTIENO (OTTI) – Akinyi’s elder brother.
TONY – Akinyi’s younger brother.
ALEX – Emma’s boyfriend and Otieno’s friend.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Report on the International Film Production Workshop, Kisumu Area Library, October 23, 2010
Introduction
The International Film Production Workshop was organized by the Kenya Film Commission, the American Embassy and the Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild. Mickey Dickoff, a renowned film producer and director from USA was the main facilitator in the workshop. She was accompanied by a delegation from the American Embassy.
The Lake Victoria Film Maker’s Guild, through their chairman Mr. Akech Obat Masira, confirmed their interest in establishing a network with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in enhancing creativity and regional film development. The University was represented by a delegation of three from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. These were:
1. Lydia Anyonje Chairlady JMC
2. Jared Mudanya Technical Operator - 103.9 MMUST FM
3. Maureen Kaka Student JMC
The delegation from MMUST was registered with the Lake Victoria Film Makers Guild and Jared Mudanya was chosen as the contact person.
This workshop brought together professional film makers, bagging film makers, thespians, play writes, women’s groups, community workers, media students and youth groups. It also provided a platform for individuals to sell their film ideas to the facilitators, who offered professional advice on the best way forward.
Film director and producer Mickey Dickoff displayed her award winning films and documentaries which were used to provide content for discussion during the workshop. Some of her movies on display included Little too late, Mother mother, 2020, The blink of an eye, Our sons, Bushes’ deadly ambition, and Neshoba Trailer.
Key issues that were discussed.
Film production should be driven by the need to positively influence the society
It was noted that many film producers have their own interests at heart when making films. This dilutes the intended purpose of film-making which is to positively influence and change the society. Film production should be viewed in respect of the wider responsibility in society and not driven by the desire to make money. Film making must be guided by the interest of the society, and foster positive change. When producing documentaries, film makers have to research well and identify social issues that directly affect the society. Film producers were discouraged from having their central focus and priority on making moneys.
Films as vehicles of empowerment for marginalized groups in the society
Film makers should identify the marginalized groups in society and help empower them. This will provide a deeper understanding of the groups thus enhance their acceptance. These groups include minority groups such as the gay, lesbians, and HIV and AIDS victims and the affected families.
Justice and truth in documentaries
Production of documentaries is challenging especially when trying to unearth the truth about a particular story. Therefore, no matter how long it takes to find out the truth especially through interviews to build story inserts, film makers must always persist and highlight social injustices. The truth about any matter being investigated has to come out clearly.
Procedures for making good films / documentaries
Apt procedures for making films/documentaries were discussed. The following aspects were discussed in proper film-/documentary-making.
a) The idea – The film maker needs to have an idea that will guide the production process. The idea needs to be an issue of public interest.
b) Narrowing focus – After building on the idea, the film maker must narrow the focus of the idea by identifying the need to have the whole idea explored with minimal complication. This can be done when identifying tension, interesting character, conflict and resolution.
c) Story evaluation – The film maker needs to establish how many characters to use in the movie, develop articulate story building in the most interesting way and identify the uniqueness of the story.
d) Subject matter – The film producer needs to understand exactly what he/she intends to achieve using the film. The producer should also be able to come up with a single direction/angle in the movie to avoid bringing about a congestion of subjects in one idea thus ending up confusing the target audience.
e) Drama – Any film needs to have drama.
f) Structure – Film makers should find the right way to tell their story and build the plot of the story from the beginning to the end.
g) Visualization – Films have to be visual. Producers should figure out the complete story in their minds and see the story before shooting the film
h) Hook – A film maker has to make sure that any storyline in mind, before the real production starts, has a theme that will eventually make the story different from other stories done before. Producers must understand what relates to the people.
i) Accessibility – The film producer needs to identify his resourceful people. For example, for a documentary production, the producer must be able to access interviewees easily.
j) Budget – Film makers must be able to come up with a reasonable budget, putting in mind how funding for the project is to be obtained. Funding for production can be acquired through application for grants or proposal writing to NGOs to support production of the film.
k) Storyboard – The producer should identify how he/she wants the movie to be and merge different types of shots with the script in order to have a good transition in the story.
l) Shooting – The producer should think about the style and theme of the film and bring the subject into an environment that favours the film.
m) Post production – After taking the shots, the producer should edit the movie and apply the necessary transitions, video effects, sound effects and graphics.
Problems encountered in film/documentary production
i. Financing for movie production – Film production is costly and most film producers find it difficult to raise funds to support the transformation of their ideas for films. This has led to slow rate of film production and slow growth rate of the film industry in developing countries.
ii. Patent policies – In developing countries, film makers come up with rich ideas but when they seek assistance from established firms, their ideas are used without their consent. This has resulted in lack of credibility among producers which has led to desperation among smaller/upcoming producers.
iii. Use of movies for financial gain – A good number of film makers make movies for financial gain. This in turn undermines the content and impact of films to social economic development.
iv. Government policies – Some government policies in developing nations do not enhance the thriving of bagging film producers. Such policies inhibit the growth of such producers by making it hard for them to access shooting locations or even make follow-up on sensitive issues that highlight bad governance.
v. Culture – Some communities in developing countries are so reserved, making it almost impossible for film makers to explore and expose sensitive issues without fear of poor reception.
Suggested solutions
a) Courage – Film producers were encouraged to believe in themselves and strive to achieve that which they wish to pursue as long as it is for the benefit of the society.
b) Democracy – The governments in developing countries should be encouraged to provide incentives and conducive environment for film makers to access information. These governments should also embrace freedom of expression.
c) Persistence – For film makers to succeed, they should always find the truth and seek audience with their resourceful people. They should never accept a NO for an answer if they are requesting for interviews.
d) Financial proposals – In order to get financial assistance, a film producer needs to write a good transcript, synopsis and prepare a comprehensive story board to give weight to a well written proposal intended for an NGO. The vetting panel has to be convinced that the film is worth funding. Producers can also access www.Kickstart.com for film budget grants.
Emerging issues in the film industry
Technological advancements have made it so easy for film producers to work on tighter schedules by making film production process faster and easier. For example, Digital Post production equipment such as Avid, Final Cut, Vegas, Adobe Premiere, Dazzle Fusion and Pinnacle non-linear video editing suits have made video editing easier and faster.
Improvisation of equipment such as Dolly and Crane cameras can be done just in case affordability of such equipment is an impediment. For example a wheel chair can replace a rail camera movement.
Recommendations
a) Kenyans must stand up for the truth and tell their stories without fear. A culture of integrity needs to be tightly-knit into the societal fabric.
b) Any film maker must be acquainted to all the production steps i.e. Pre-production, Production and Post production stages.
c) As long as a producer has a good story for the film, any camera available can be used to tell the story. Sophisticated equipments are not a necessity in film production. Therefore being creative is imperative for any film producer to be prosperous.
Conclusion
The discussions during the workshop shed light on real life experiences in film production. This turned out to be a great inspiration to the bagging film makers and professional film producers. It clearly exposed the gap that exists on the level of freedom of expression in the developing countries compared to the United States of America. The issues and ideas that were discussed and shared during the workshop will go a long way in improving efficiency, professionalism and product quality in the film industry in Kenya.
Jared Mudanya
November 2, 2010
The International Film Production Workshop was organized by the Kenya Film Commission, the American Embassy and the Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild. Mickey Dickoff, a renowned film producer and director from USA was the main facilitator in the workshop. She was accompanied by a delegation from the American Embassy.
The Lake Victoria Film Maker’s Guild, through their chairman Mr. Akech Obat Masira, confirmed their interest in establishing a network with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in enhancing creativity and regional film development. The University was represented by a delegation of three from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. These were:
1. Lydia Anyonje Chairlady JMC
2. Jared Mudanya Technical Operator - 103.9 MMUST FM
3. Maureen Kaka Student JMC
The delegation from MMUST was registered with the Lake Victoria Film Makers Guild and Jared Mudanya was chosen as the contact person.
This workshop brought together professional film makers, bagging film makers, thespians, play writes, women’s groups, community workers, media students and youth groups. It also provided a platform for individuals to sell their film ideas to the facilitators, who offered professional advice on the best way forward.
Film director and producer Mickey Dickoff displayed her award winning films and documentaries which were used to provide content for discussion during the workshop. Some of her movies on display included Little too late, Mother mother, 2020, The blink of an eye, Our sons, Bushes’ deadly ambition, and Neshoba Trailer.
Key issues that were discussed.
Film production should be driven by the need to positively influence the society
It was noted that many film producers have their own interests at heart when making films. This dilutes the intended purpose of film-making which is to positively influence and change the society. Film production should be viewed in respect of the wider responsibility in society and not driven by the desire to make money. Film making must be guided by the interest of the society, and foster positive change. When producing documentaries, film makers have to research well and identify social issues that directly affect the society. Film producers were discouraged from having their central focus and priority on making moneys.
Films as vehicles of empowerment for marginalized groups in the society
Film makers should identify the marginalized groups in society and help empower them. This will provide a deeper understanding of the groups thus enhance their acceptance. These groups include minority groups such as the gay, lesbians, and HIV and AIDS victims and the affected families.
Justice and truth in documentaries
Production of documentaries is challenging especially when trying to unearth the truth about a particular story. Therefore, no matter how long it takes to find out the truth especially through interviews to build story inserts, film makers must always persist and highlight social injustices. The truth about any matter being investigated has to come out clearly.
Procedures for making good films / documentaries
Apt procedures for making films/documentaries were discussed. The following aspects were discussed in proper film-/documentary-making.
a) The idea – The film maker needs to have an idea that will guide the production process. The idea needs to be an issue of public interest.
b) Narrowing focus – After building on the idea, the film maker must narrow the focus of the idea by identifying the need to have the whole idea explored with minimal complication. This can be done when identifying tension, interesting character, conflict and resolution.
c) Story evaluation – The film maker needs to establish how many characters to use in the movie, develop articulate story building in the most interesting way and identify the uniqueness of the story.
d) Subject matter – The film producer needs to understand exactly what he/she intends to achieve using the film. The producer should also be able to come up with a single direction/angle in the movie to avoid bringing about a congestion of subjects in one idea thus ending up confusing the target audience.
e) Drama – Any film needs to have drama.
f) Structure – Film makers should find the right way to tell their story and build the plot of the story from the beginning to the end.
g) Visualization – Films have to be visual. Producers should figure out the complete story in their minds and see the story before shooting the film
h) Hook – A film maker has to make sure that any storyline in mind, before the real production starts, has a theme that will eventually make the story different from other stories done before. Producers must understand what relates to the people.
i) Accessibility – The film producer needs to identify his resourceful people. For example, for a documentary production, the producer must be able to access interviewees easily.
j) Budget – Film makers must be able to come up with a reasonable budget, putting in mind how funding for the project is to be obtained. Funding for production can be acquired through application for grants or proposal writing to NGOs to support production of the film.
k) Storyboard – The producer should identify how he/she wants the movie to be and merge different types of shots with the script in order to have a good transition in the story.
l) Shooting – The producer should think about the style and theme of the film and bring the subject into an environment that favours the film.
m) Post production – After taking the shots, the producer should edit the movie and apply the necessary transitions, video effects, sound effects and graphics.
Problems encountered in film/documentary production
i. Financing for movie production – Film production is costly and most film producers find it difficult to raise funds to support the transformation of their ideas for films. This has led to slow rate of film production and slow growth rate of the film industry in developing countries.
ii. Patent policies – In developing countries, film makers come up with rich ideas but when they seek assistance from established firms, their ideas are used without their consent. This has resulted in lack of credibility among producers which has led to desperation among smaller/upcoming producers.
iii. Use of movies for financial gain – A good number of film makers make movies for financial gain. This in turn undermines the content and impact of films to social economic development.
iv. Government policies – Some government policies in developing nations do not enhance the thriving of bagging film producers. Such policies inhibit the growth of such producers by making it hard for them to access shooting locations or even make follow-up on sensitive issues that highlight bad governance.
v. Culture – Some communities in developing countries are so reserved, making it almost impossible for film makers to explore and expose sensitive issues without fear of poor reception.
Suggested solutions
a) Courage – Film producers were encouraged to believe in themselves and strive to achieve that which they wish to pursue as long as it is for the benefit of the society.
b) Democracy – The governments in developing countries should be encouraged to provide incentives and conducive environment for film makers to access information. These governments should also embrace freedom of expression.
c) Persistence – For film makers to succeed, they should always find the truth and seek audience with their resourceful people. They should never accept a NO for an answer if they are requesting for interviews.
d) Financial proposals – In order to get financial assistance, a film producer needs to write a good transcript, synopsis and prepare a comprehensive story board to give weight to a well written proposal intended for an NGO. The vetting panel has to be convinced that the film is worth funding. Producers can also access www.Kickstart.com for film budget grants.
Emerging issues in the film industry
Technological advancements have made it so easy for film producers to work on tighter schedules by making film production process faster and easier. For example, Digital Post production equipment such as Avid, Final Cut, Vegas, Adobe Premiere, Dazzle Fusion and Pinnacle non-linear video editing suits have made video editing easier and faster.
Improvisation of equipment such as Dolly and Crane cameras can be done just in case affordability of such equipment is an impediment. For example a wheel chair can replace a rail camera movement.
Recommendations
a) Kenyans must stand up for the truth and tell their stories without fear. A culture of integrity needs to be tightly-knit into the societal fabric.
b) Any film maker must be acquainted to all the production steps i.e. Pre-production, Production and Post production stages.
c) As long as a producer has a good story for the film, any camera available can be used to tell the story. Sophisticated equipments are not a necessity in film production. Therefore being creative is imperative for any film producer to be prosperous.
Conclusion
The discussions during the workshop shed light on real life experiences in film production. This turned out to be a great inspiration to the bagging film makers and professional film producers. It clearly exposed the gap that exists on the level of freedom of expression in the developing countries compared to the United States of America. The issues and ideas that were discussed and shared during the workshop will go a long way in improving efficiency, professionalism and product quality in the film industry in Kenya.
Jared Mudanya
November 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
1ST Regional Lake Basin Film/Theatre Awards Project
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers (Kenya) seeks to tell new untold stories emanating from the Western Kenya Region.
These stories beg to be heard. It’s against this background that the 1st Regional Film/Theatre Awards was conceived to recognise and reward the outstanding artiste s and film makers based in the region. We seek to reward them for their exemplary work in the film industry.
The region is uniquely endowed with great filmic sites and natural resources that could enhance film industry. We hope that in future the region will be the new of film making hub because it’s already endowed with nature and has untapped talents.
The FILM GUILD realises the critical role human beings play in the development of film industry “people are the most valuable asset. People under the influence of an empowering people are like a paper in the hands of a talented artiste. No matter what they are made of, they can become treasure. Man is made so that whenever anything fires his soul impossibilities vanish” The FILM GUILD seeks to fire the soul of local film makers in the establishment of the regional film industry. A new industry which is based on creativity where sequence outline is well developed, stories with great dramatic implications, relevance, freshness and have practicality and our people could empathise with character on stage - stories with story central spine.
THE AWARDS CEREMONY
The event will be held on the 18th December 2010 at the Kisumu Area Library as from 10.00 a.m. It will showcase the Regional best artistic and creativity. Scripts will also be judged.
We hope that through the annual film/theatre awards the region creativity and film making will be enhanced.
The purpose of this letter, therefore is to kindly seek partnership and support of the well wishers interested in the regional film industry and tourism development.
All supporters will be accorded banner publicity during the event we will also produced a programme magazine and selling advertisement space. Looking forward to your cooperation and support.
Once again, kindly accept our sincere appreciation.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
AKECH OBAT MASIRA
CHAIRMAN
Lake Victoria Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
+254726164954
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com
http://misangoarts.blogspot.com
These stories beg to be heard. It’s against this background that the 1st Regional Film/Theatre Awards was conceived to recognise and reward the outstanding artiste s and film makers based in the region. We seek to reward them for their exemplary work in the film industry.
The region is uniquely endowed with great filmic sites and natural resources that could enhance film industry. We hope that in future the region will be the new of film making hub because it’s already endowed with nature and has untapped talents.
The FILM GUILD realises the critical role human beings play in the development of film industry “people are the most valuable asset. People under the influence of an empowering people are like a paper in the hands of a talented artiste. No matter what they are made of, they can become treasure. Man is made so that whenever anything fires his soul impossibilities vanish” The FILM GUILD seeks to fire the soul of local film makers in the establishment of the regional film industry. A new industry which is based on creativity where sequence outline is well developed, stories with great dramatic implications, relevance, freshness and have practicality and our people could empathise with character on stage - stories with story central spine.
THE AWARDS CEREMONY
The event will be held on the 18th December 2010 at the Kisumu Area Library as from 10.00 a.m. It will showcase the Regional best artistic and creativity. Scripts will also be judged.
We hope that through the annual film/theatre awards the region creativity and film making will be enhanced.
The purpose of this letter, therefore is to kindly seek partnership and support of the well wishers interested in the regional film industry and tourism development.
All supporters will be accorded banner publicity during the event we will also produced a programme magazine and selling advertisement space. Looking forward to your cooperation and support.
Once again, kindly accept our sincere appreciation.
Thank you
Yours faithfully
AKECH OBAT MASIRA
CHAIRMAN
Lake Victoria Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
+254726164954
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com
http://misangoarts.blogspot.com
1st Annual Lake Victoria Basin (Kenya) Film Awards
LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM MAKERS GUILD (KENYA)
Presents
The First Annual Regional Awards for Film and Theatre
(NYANZA, WESTERN & RIFT VALLEY)
VIDEO / FILM PRODUCTIONS, SCRIPTS & DVDs
FEATURING:
LOCAL VIDEO / FILMS, ARTS EXHIBITIONS & DRAMA
DATE: 18TH DECEMBER, 2010.
VENUE: KISUMU AREA LIBRARY (K.N.L.S.)
TIME: 11.00 AM - 4 PM
Show Casing the Best from The Region
(Open To All Stakeholders)
The Contact
Chairman, the Film Guild
Kisumu Area Library (Kenya)
TEL: +254726164954
EMAIL: obatmasira@yahoo.com
http://misangoarts.blogspot.com
NO REGISTRATION FEE
Presents
The First Annual Regional Awards for Film and Theatre
(NYANZA, WESTERN & RIFT VALLEY)
VIDEO / FILM PRODUCTIONS, SCRIPTS & DVDs
FEATURING:
LOCAL VIDEO / FILMS, ARTS EXHIBITIONS & DRAMA
DATE: 18TH DECEMBER, 2010.
VENUE: KISUMU AREA LIBRARY (K.N.L.S.)
TIME: 11.00 AM - 4 PM
Show Casing the Best from The Region
(Open To All Stakeholders)
The Contact
Chairman, the Film Guild
Kisumu Area Library (Kenya)
TEL: +254726164954
EMAIL: obatmasira@yahoo.com
http://misangoarts.blogspot.com
NO REGISTRATION FEE
Monday, October 4, 2010
The USA-Kisumu Dream
US President J F Kennedy
had this to say
in Ottawa Canada in 1962:
“Geography has made us neighbours.
History has made us friends.
We have shared common values.
The past aspiration for the future
Our future and
The future of all mankind.”
The American corner has made us neighbours.
And American corner has made us friends.
Through American corner,
We have shared common values
And common aspirations
“Writing like all representation is never innocent To write about anything is explicitly or implicitly, to delimit, uphold, expand or challenge how it is perceived and constituted. Never is writing ever natural. We write from a particular position, inhabit particular discourse, which the very act of writing itself seeks to validate.”
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) was founded to facilitate the training
of stakeholders in the film industry and equip them with professional skills in scripting and production film in a channel for the promotion marketing and distribution of films from the region. Lastly to identify, preserve and promote filming sites within the region
Our vision is to make Lake Region a centre of excellence in film making. Our mission is to produce competent professionals capable of producing films that match International standards.
I here quote the 6th American President John Quincy Adams. He stated that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”
The creation of American Corner has inspired our children. It has prompted us to dream more, to learn more. The American Corner has made reading exciting, enjoyable and pleasurable for the children, learning through audio-visuals has promoted active reading for the children. “What an investment for the children?”
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild(Kenya) and the Kisumu Area Library signed a memorandum of understanding to manage resources at the American Corner related to artistic cultural and film making. As a result of the M.O.U the American Corner Management Board was established. The Board seeks to create a forum where noble ideas and talents are recognised and be rewarded The 1st Regional Film /Theatre Awards is planned for the December, 2010.
The Film Guild came into being during the 1st International film workshop in September, 2009 coordinated and sponsored by the US. Embassy and the Kenya Film Commission. We are also today celebrating the birth of the Film Guild and the American Corner Management Board. It has been a long journey. Thanks to the American Embassy.
THE AMERICAN CORNER MANAGEMENT BOARD.
The Board comprises of the seven personalities drawn from a diverse background, mainly, from the Maseno University, Kenya National Library Services and the Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) members are:
1. Mr. Moses Imbayi (Chairman) KNLS
2. Mr. Tobias Odhiambo Oganda (Vice Chairman) KNLS
3. Mr. Akech Obat Masira(Coordinator)The Guild
4. Mr. David Onyango Ondiek (Secretary) the Guild
5. Prof John Midega member (Maseno University)
6. Mr. P. Gitau member (KNLS)
7. Mr. Adams Anyona member (The GUILD)
ARTS AND THE AMERICAN CORNER
Art will play a critical role and generate community participation in the Library’s affairs bringing people to the library for serious public discourse through the medium of public talks, story telling, poetry, workshop ,festivals and exhibitions.
Arts are integral to life of the traditional African society, giving worth to individual and community and therefore reinforcing their identity within their communities. Arts as opposed to the other medium have profound bearing on all aspects of our lives, from spiritual to mundane.
Arts, have since time immemorial have been related to the sustainability of society in its various manifestations. Education, access to it and its practice are vital components of any working society. Education is a vehicle that allows for the development of society and it’s enhancement in various ways.
The Film Guild and the Board seek to promote good writing criteria known as the four C’s- CLEAR, CONCISE, COMPLETE and COURTEOUS. EDUCATION plays an important role in the transfer and transformation of cultural values and practices and Paulo Freire stated Literacy therefore........ is to understand what one reads and to write what one understand”
The film form will be utilised in the transfer and transformation of education and cultures in our countries.
Then what is film?
A film is a story that comprises of two critical issues that is the DESIRE and the DANGER, what then is desire? Desire is human kind’s yearning for happiness, while the danger is something that threatens life. And emotion is actually the inner driving force that powers action. Thus, the drive of desire is life’s blood of every film and the danger the heartbeat.
THE BOARD strives to promote film industry as new form of employment creation for the youth. This industry needs support of the well wishers. For the films to have effectiveness, they must have freshness, dramatic implications and emotions. We would want to tell our stories candidly and authoritatively of the stories not told before. Films enabling us to learn more and we will do more.
We are happy today as we are celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the American Corner, the American Embassy has inspired us and have made us to dream more. The former president John Adams Quincy stated before. The regional film industry no longer is a daunting task, now that American Embassy has come to our aid. We need to harness the local talents. The new industry is now going to be realisable.
The region is endowed with unique and spectacular filming sites. The Board needs documentation facilities to realise its vision and mission. Film and theatre have become major forces in the education and development. The industry will go along way in empowering the people with critical information, opportunities and chance to examine attitudes through active learning methods. “The art provide a whole range of feelings and its knowledge is as a culture bound as language.”
CHILDREN AND STORYTELLING CULTURE
American corner has created a forum where children could tell stories more often than not. Stories have an amazing ability to stimulate our imagination. Through stories we travel to distant places and see strange and wonderful sites.
“We take part in adventures and feel the joys and sorrows that are a part of them.”
Story telling includes fables, fairy tales, folk tales, myths and legends.
The story is one of the oldest human inventions.
EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE READING SKILLS
The American Corner Management Board seeks to improve reading skills among children through criteria known as reading efficiency index (R.E.I) we intend to work on the rate and comprehension
INTERNATIONAL FILM WORKSHOP
The FILM GUILD and the Management Board express their sincere appreciation to the American Embassy for having coordinated and facilitated the two international film workshops last year the local film makers in the region. Maseno University was also a beneficiary of the workshop. We yearn for more stimulating workshops. The workshops will enhance our skills in film making points with pictures instead of struggling vainly to translate images into verbiage.
Our American film facilitator’s last year were Prof. M.K. Asante, Mr. Scott Galloway, Madam Erin Persley and lastly, Mr. Giancalos Esposito.
Drama, like all other arts forms is ideological, conveys values which either questions or support those prevailing in the society, more than that, drama is not only a product of society but created to influence that very society “asserted Prof. C.J. Odhiambo.”
The FILM GUILD and the Board will utilise effectively the four powers of human communication namely, reading, listening, writing and speaking. The film industry will thrive through quality scripting and new film productions.
PROPOSED PROGRAMMES
The Board and the GUILD have lined up programmes for the American corner. These activities are planned for both children and adults as from October to December 2010
THE MAGAZINE
Their is need to establish a new magazine to promote creative expressions. It will act as a vehicle for written exchange between counties and international artistes, film makers, children demonstrating and encouraging regional tourism.
THE WORKSHOP
TOPICS
v The children’s literature: The gender question
v The role of media in the promotion of reading culture among children
v Film scripting and production
THE FESTIVALS
v Children’s festivals of reading and creativity
v Regional drama festivals
v Story telling and poetry festivals
THE PUBLIC TALKS
v Monthly public talks on topical issues to promote awareness on good governance, gender equity and development.
FILM/THEATRE AWARDS
v To recognize and reward local film makers for their exemplary works in creativity and film making.
THE EXHIBITION
v To host photo and arts exhibitions to a wider public
THE CULTURAL EXCHANGE
v The Film Guild and the Board seeks to explore means and ways of establishing cultural exchange programmes with other stakeholders nationally and internationally - A forum for exchange of styles and techniques.
THE CONCLUSION
In conclusion I here quote a famous Japanese philosopher who stated that “The creative mind will do wonderful thing but unless the public attaches value to what has been created, they will always be reduced to toys and jokes. It’s important for those who create ideas, products and unique services, to ensure that the people see value in their creation .This calls marketing and publicity to be realised so that what we do are not reduced to toys and jokes
We are also confident that through the American Embassy our creation will not be reduced to toys and jokes. The film Guild and the Board would like to utilise the power of persuasion and words to promote book culture in Kisumu city and beyond by making the library not only as place of borrowing and reading but also a place for cultural and artistic expressions - A place where discussion, discourse and exchange of views thrives.
The Board will host bi-monthly meetings to review and assess creativity and cultural development. We hope our partnership will flourish and yield sweet fruits for the counties.
Lastly, I would also like to quote the 44th American president Barrack Obama in is speech he presented to the Chicago Council of Global Affairs on the 23rd April, 2007 and he stated that “This was the time when we brought opportunity to those forgotten corners of the world. And this was the time when we renewed the America that has led generations of weary travellers from all over the world to find opportunity and liberty and hope and hope on our doorstep “We the Guild and the Board states here that the American Embassy has bought opportunity and hope on our door step through the creation of the American Corner.
Mahtma Gandhi is a great philosopher once said “You must be the change you wish to see in the world. “ The American corner is the new change from illiteracy to literacy makes the library a living museum a new city where residents value books and cultural expressions. This is the Kisumu we yearned for - the Kisumu we want. We are a new family. As a family we must stand firmly. Let us light up the new American – Kisumu dream.
By Akech Obat Masira
The Chairman
Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
The Coordinator
American Corner Management Board
Presented during the 1st Anniversary of the American Corner at the Kisumu Area Library on the 29th September, 2010
Contact:
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com
Tel. +254726164954
had this to say
in Ottawa Canada in 1962:
“Geography has made us neighbours.
History has made us friends.
We have shared common values.
The past aspiration for the future
Our future and
The future of all mankind.”
The American corner has made us neighbours.
And American corner has made us friends.
Through American corner,
We have shared common values
And common aspirations
“Writing like all representation is never innocent To write about anything is explicitly or implicitly, to delimit, uphold, expand or challenge how it is perceived and constituted. Never is writing ever natural. We write from a particular position, inhabit particular discourse, which the very act of writing itself seeks to validate.”
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) was founded to facilitate the training
of stakeholders in the film industry and equip them with professional skills in scripting and production film in a channel for the promotion marketing and distribution of films from the region. Lastly to identify, preserve and promote filming sites within the region
Our vision is to make Lake Region a centre of excellence in film making. Our mission is to produce competent professionals capable of producing films that match International standards.
I here quote the 6th American President John Quincy Adams. He stated that “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader”
The creation of American Corner has inspired our children. It has prompted us to dream more, to learn more. The American Corner has made reading exciting, enjoyable and pleasurable for the children, learning through audio-visuals has promoted active reading for the children. “What an investment for the children?”
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild(Kenya) and the Kisumu Area Library signed a memorandum of understanding to manage resources at the American Corner related to artistic cultural and film making. As a result of the M.O.U the American Corner Management Board was established. The Board seeks to create a forum where noble ideas and talents are recognised and be rewarded The 1st Regional Film /Theatre Awards is planned for the December, 2010.
The Film Guild came into being during the 1st International film workshop in September, 2009 coordinated and sponsored by the US. Embassy and the Kenya Film Commission. We are also today celebrating the birth of the Film Guild and the American Corner Management Board. It has been a long journey. Thanks to the American Embassy.
THE AMERICAN CORNER MANAGEMENT BOARD.
The Board comprises of the seven personalities drawn from a diverse background, mainly, from the Maseno University, Kenya National Library Services and the Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya) members are:
1. Mr. Moses Imbayi (Chairman) KNLS
2. Mr. Tobias Odhiambo Oganda (Vice Chairman) KNLS
3. Mr. Akech Obat Masira(Coordinator)The Guild
4. Mr. David Onyango Ondiek (Secretary) the Guild
5. Prof John Midega member (Maseno University)
6. Mr. P. Gitau member (KNLS)
7. Mr. Adams Anyona member (The GUILD)
ARTS AND THE AMERICAN CORNER
Art will play a critical role and generate community participation in the Library’s affairs bringing people to the library for serious public discourse through the medium of public talks, story telling, poetry, workshop ,festivals and exhibitions.
Arts are integral to life of the traditional African society, giving worth to individual and community and therefore reinforcing their identity within their communities. Arts as opposed to the other medium have profound bearing on all aspects of our lives, from spiritual to mundane.
Arts, have since time immemorial have been related to the sustainability of society in its various manifestations. Education, access to it and its practice are vital components of any working society. Education is a vehicle that allows for the development of society and it’s enhancement in various ways.
The Film Guild and the Board seek to promote good writing criteria known as the four C’s- CLEAR, CONCISE, COMPLETE and COURTEOUS. EDUCATION plays an important role in the transfer and transformation of cultural values and practices and Paulo Freire stated Literacy therefore........ is to understand what one reads and to write what one understand”
The film form will be utilised in the transfer and transformation of education and cultures in our countries.
Then what is film?
A film is a story that comprises of two critical issues that is the DESIRE and the DANGER, what then is desire? Desire is human kind’s yearning for happiness, while the danger is something that threatens life. And emotion is actually the inner driving force that powers action. Thus, the drive of desire is life’s blood of every film and the danger the heartbeat.
THE BOARD strives to promote film industry as new form of employment creation for the youth. This industry needs support of the well wishers. For the films to have effectiveness, they must have freshness, dramatic implications and emotions. We would want to tell our stories candidly and authoritatively of the stories not told before. Films enabling us to learn more and we will do more.
We are happy today as we are celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the American Corner, the American Embassy has inspired us and have made us to dream more. The former president John Adams Quincy stated before. The regional film industry no longer is a daunting task, now that American Embassy has come to our aid. We need to harness the local talents. The new industry is now going to be realisable.
The region is endowed with unique and spectacular filming sites. The Board needs documentation facilities to realise its vision and mission. Film and theatre have become major forces in the education and development. The industry will go along way in empowering the people with critical information, opportunities and chance to examine attitudes through active learning methods. “The art provide a whole range of feelings and its knowledge is as a culture bound as language.”
CHILDREN AND STORYTELLING CULTURE
American corner has created a forum where children could tell stories more often than not. Stories have an amazing ability to stimulate our imagination. Through stories we travel to distant places and see strange and wonderful sites.
“We take part in adventures and feel the joys and sorrows that are a part of them.”
Story telling includes fables, fairy tales, folk tales, myths and legends.
The story is one of the oldest human inventions.
EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE READING SKILLS
The American Corner Management Board seeks to improve reading skills among children through criteria known as reading efficiency index (R.E.I) we intend to work on the rate and comprehension
INTERNATIONAL FILM WORKSHOP
The FILM GUILD and the Management Board express their sincere appreciation to the American Embassy for having coordinated and facilitated the two international film workshops last year the local film makers in the region. Maseno University was also a beneficiary of the workshop. We yearn for more stimulating workshops. The workshops will enhance our skills in film making points with pictures instead of struggling vainly to translate images into verbiage.
Our American film facilitator’s last year were Prof. M.K. Asante, Mr. Scott Galloway, Madam Erin Persley and lastly, Mr. Giancalos Esposito.
Drama, like all other arts forms is ideological, conveys values which either questions or support those prevailing in the society, more than that, drama is not only a product of society but created to influence that very society “asserted Prof. C.J. Odhiambo.”
The FILM GUILD and the Board will utilise effectively the four powers of human communication namely, reading, listening, writing and speaking. The film industry will thrive through quality scripting and new film productions.
PROPOSED PROGRAMMES
The Board and the GUILD have lined up programmes for the American corner. These activities are planned for both children and adults as from October to December 2010
THE MAGAZINE
Their is need to establish a new magazine to promote creative expressions. It will act as a vehicle for written exchange between counties and international artistes, film makers, children demonstrating and encouraging regional tourism.
THE WORKSHOP
TOPICS
v The children’s literature: The gender question
v The role of media in the promotion of reading culture among children
v Film scripting and production
THE FESTIVALS
v Children’s festivals of reading and creativity
v Regional drama festivals
v Story telling and poetry festivals
THE PUBLIC TALKS
v Monthly public talks on topical issues to promote awareness on good governance, gender equity and development.
FILM/THEATRE AWARDS
v To recognize and reward local film makers for their exemplary works in creativity and film making.
THE EXHIBITION
v To host photo and arts exhibitions to a wider public
THE CULTURAL EXCHANGE
v The Film Guild and the Board seeks to explore means and ways of establishing cultural exchange programmes with other stakeholders nationally and internationally - A forum for exchange of styles and techniques.
THE CONCLUSION
In conclusion I here quote a famous Japanese philosopher who stated that “The creative mind will do wonderful thing but unless the public attaches value to what has been created, they will always be reduced to toys and jokes. It’s important for those who create ideas, products and unique services, to ensure that the people see value in their creation .This calls marketing and publicity to be realised so that what we do are not reduced to toys and jokes
We are also confident that through the American Embassy our creation will not be reduced to toys and jokes. The film Guild and the Board would like to utilise the power of persuasion and words to promote book culture in Kisumu city and beyond by making the library not only as place of borrowing and reading but also a place for cultural and artistic expressions - A place where discussion, discourse and exchange of views thrives.
The Board will host bi-monthly meetings to review and assess creativity and cultural development. We hope our partnership will flourish and yield sweet fruits for the counties.
Lastly, I would also like to quote the 44th American president Barrack Obama in is speech he presented to the Chicago Council of Global Affairs on the 23rd April, 2007 and he stated that “This was the time when we brought opportunity to those forgotten corners of the world. And this was the time when we renewed the America that has led generations of weary travellers from all over the world to find opportunity and liberty and hope and hope on our doorstep “We the Guild and the Board states here that the American Embassy has bought opportunity and hope on our door step through the creation of the American Corner.
Mahtma Gandhi is a great philosopher once said “You must be the change you wish to see in the world. “ The American corner is the new change from illiteracy to literacy makes the library a living museum a new city where residents value books and cultural expressions. This is the Kisumu we yearned for - the Kisumu we want. We are a new family. As a family we must stand firmly. Let us light up the new American – Kisumu dream.
By Akech Obat Masira
The Chairman
Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
The Coordinator
American Corner Management Board
Presented during the 1st Anniversary of the American Corner at the Kisumu Area Library on the 29th September, 2010
Contact:
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com
Tel. +254726164954
Knowledge and cultural transformation in Kenyan counties
FOSTERING LOCAL TALENTS
We salute the first Anniversary
Of a public utility we all admire
The American Corner - fit for celebration
By enthusiastic junior and adult readers
We salute the American Embassy
For refurbishing the junior readers section
Of the Kenya National Library Services - Kisumu Branch
To make reading and writing smooth
We salute the American Embassy
And the Kenya Film Commission
For having mooted a great idea-
A film Industry in the region
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
We salute the American Embassy
To avail a great intellectual opportunity
To Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley Provinces
To turn the Lake Region into a centre of excellence
Specifically in the area of film making
To maintain international film making standards
We salute the American Embassy
For coming to our assistance readily
We thank you for having provided
Training services in film making
Plus according the American corner with
Certain vital facilities
The Film Guild signed an M.O.U with the
Kisumu Area Library
To make possible the American Corner
Management Board
This has made us very proud.
We can now smile for a thing well done
The pride to read and write
The pride of a living, vibrant museum
That could offer boundless open windows
For a region endowed with talents
Alongside picturesque filming locations
As recipes for a vibrant film industry
Which is on spot and ripe for development
But who can assist us to mine this gold?
Gold in vast untapped, potential human talent?
If not our major benefactor-the American Embassy
Who will provide us with skills, and
Who will give us professional equipment?
Besides those who have all along mentored us?
We salute the American Embassy
For its magnanimity and her big heart
In all the assistance it has accorded us
And we wish to affirm our cooperation
To make our great dreams a reality
Thanks to Michael Rennanbeger, The American
Ambassador,
Madam Ellen the Cultural Attaché
And our friends in film making and cultural development.
Who foster the extension of our cooperation?
We thank the America Embassy
For fostering this cross-generational endeavour
To open window for talents development
To accord us a grand stand in excellence
That we can compete internationally
To highlight vital aspects of our society
The new America -Kisumu dream
Kudos Madam Ellen.
Kudos the American Embassy
Kudos the new American –Kisumu dream.
By Akech Obat Masira
We salute the first Anniversary
Of a public utility we all admire
The American Corner - fit for celebration
By enthusiastic junior and adult readers
We salute the American Embassy
For refurbishing the junior readers section
Of the Kenya National Library Services - Kisumu Branch
To make reading and writing smooth
We salute the American Embassy
And the Kenya Film Commission
For having mooted a great idea-
A film Industry in the region
The Lake Victoria Basin Film Makers Guild (Kenya)
We salute the American Embassy
To avail a great intellectual opportunity
To Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley Provinces
To turn the Lake Region into a centre of excellence
Specifically in the area of film making
To maintain international film making standards
We salute the American Embassy
For coming to our assistance readily
We thank you for having provided
Training services in film making
Plus according the American corner with
Certain vital facilities
The Film Guild signed an M.O.U with the
Kisumu Area Library
To make possible the American Corner
Management Board
This has made us very proud.
We can now smile for a thing well done
The pride to read and write
The pride of a living, vibrant museum
That could offer boundless open windows
For a region endowed with talents
Alongside picturesque filming locations
As recipes for a vibrant film industry
Which is on spot and ripe for development
But who can assist us to mine this gold?
Gold in vast untapped, potential human talent?
If not our major benefactor-the American Embassy
Who will provide us with skills, and
Who will give us professional equipment?
Besides those who have all along mentored us?
We salute the American Embassy
For its magnanimity and her big heart
In all the assistance it has accorded us
And we wish to affirm our cooperation
To make our great dreams a reality
Thanks to Michael Rennanbeger, The American
Ambassador,
Madam Ellen the Cultural Attaché
And our friends in film making and cultural development.
Who foster the extension of our cooperation?
We thank the America Embassy
For fostering this cross-generational endeavour
To open window for talents development
To accord us a grand stand in excellence
That we can compete internationally
To highlight vital aspects of our society
The new America -Kisumu dream
Kudos Madam Ellen.
Kudos the American Embassy
Kudos the new American –Kisumu dream.
By Akech Obat Masira
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Epitome of Love: A screen play
Misango Arts Ensemble is looking for partners to help us produce a play based on male circumcision. A number of Kenyan ethnic groups do not circumcise their sons. However, recent drive by the Government of Kenya to encourage circumcision as one of the methods of reducing the risks of HIV/AIDS transmission has let to a dilemma among communities who do not circumscise and yet experience the effects of HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this play is to encourage public engagement in (preventive) public health through play.
Synopsis
Change of attitude is a major challenge in communities faced with the idea of change outside the general cultural mainstream. The Luo Nation of Kenya has not been an exception especially with respect to male circumcision which is currently in vogue. Diehard traditionalists still find it hard to come to terms with a practice that has, belatedly been proven to be insulation against the pandemic HIV and AIDS as well as sexually transmitted infections.
The understanding is still wavering, caught between tradition and the remedy to a palpable healthcare, whereby families, couples and communities at large find themselves caught on the horn of a dilemma. Medical science in its unyielding efforts to salvage mankind from the jaws of disaster and catastrophe has come up with research findings that offer practical solutions to health and sex issues that continuously affect many people.
This is where science and arts meet at a tangent, mingling and jostling each other to creatively emerge with a solution that is likely to help address an issue that continues to boggle the mind. Gender in general comes into sharp focus in the promotion of male circumcision as an important measure in the reduction of STI, HIV and AIDS in society, the vulnerable, especially the youth in society, couples, family and the broader society, can therefore be sensitized on this important medical research to alleviate problem.
To project this in the public domain, the employment of drama as an aspect of mobilization, sensitization to create awareness and attitudinal change on male circumcision in the general wider context.
In this context herewith, is the “EPITOME OF LOVE” of a screen play focusing on the important of embracing this scientifically and medically tested and proven antidote. How do the vulnerable float with flux –
What does the mould hold? Two lovers exploring power of male circumcision (cut), alongside the dangers of HIV and AIDS.
BERTHA: Is a developmental coordinator, youthful and energetic, dealing with issues of HIV and AIDS.
BENJA: Is an ardent football fan, and a staunch Jaluo cultural traditionalist still unpurged from the practice of male circumcision.
But will BERTHA succeed in convincing BENJA on the importance of the male cut?
By Aketch Obat-Masira
Kisumu, Kenya
September 28, 2010
Synopsis
Change of attitude is a major challenge in communities faced with the idea of change outside the general cultural mainstream. The Luo Nation of Kenya has not been an exception especially with respect to male circumcision which is currently in vogue. Diehard traditionalists still find it hard to come to terms with a practice that has, belatedly been proven to be insulation against the pandemic HIV and AIDS as well as sexually transmitted infections.
The understanding is still wavering, caught between tradition and the remedy to a palpable healthcare, whereby families, couples and communities at large find themselves caught on the horn of a dilemma. Medical science in its unyielding efforts to salvage mankind from the jaws of disaster and catastrophe has come up with research findings that offer practical solutions to health and sex issues that continuously affect many people.
This is where science and arts meet at a tangent, mingling and jostling each other to creatively emerge with a solution that is likely to help address an issue that continues to boggle the mind. Gender in general comes into sharp focus in the promotion of male circumcision as an important measure in the reduction of STI, HIV and AIDS in society, the vulnerable, especially the youth in society, couples, family and the broader society, can therefore be sensitized on this important medical research to alleviate problem.
To project this in the public domain, the employment of drama as an aspect of mobilization, sensitization to create awareness and attitudinal change on male circumcision in the general wider context.
In this context herewith, is the “EPITOME OF LOVE” of a screen play focusing on the important of embracing this scientifically and medically tested and proven antidote. How do the vulnerable float with flux –
What does the mould hold? Two lovers exploring power of male circumcision (cut), alongside the dangers of HIV and AIDS.
BERTHA: Is a developmental coordinator, youthful and energetic, dealing with issues of HIV and AIDS.
BENJA: Is an ardent football fan, and a staunch Jaluo cultural traditionalist still unpurged from the practice of male circumcision.
But will BERTHA succeed in convincing BENJA on the importance of the male cut?
By Aketch Obat-Masira
Kisumu, Kenya
September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Henry Awuor Imbo: Tribute to a Noble Man of Nyakach
Today we mourn a man with unique history
Henry Awuor the son of Ibrahim Imbo
And Mama Anyango Kalara
Of kokwanyo, Mawego, Rachuonyo
We mourn the grandson of Nyaji
The son of Olela – his great grandfather
We mourn an orphan of long ago
Whose parents were taken by slavers
We mourn a great husband of Mama Kalara
Whose parents were murdered by cattle rustlers
We mourn Henry Awuor Imbo a unique person
The 8th in a family of ten and born in Nyakach
And now survived by his sister Magdale Akeyo,
To care for a homestead now left bare.
Who did not know Mzee Awuor of Nyakach kadianga?
The single individual who named Got Bolo
The place where he has left his indelible mark
A disciplined healthy man of good deeds
A man who cherishes his prayers
A man who supports church activities and catholism
A man who had a big heart for the needy
A man who developed infrastructure in Got Bolo
He build children’s nurseries and initiated road grading and building bridges
A man who generously donated his land
For Bolo – complex – for a multi –purpose mission
A man who was generous with wise counsel
On all human - interest issues
He sired intelligent off springs who are a boon to Kenyan society
A tree bedecked with twinkle stars
Each contributing its light to sturdy core
This eminent pioneer catechist
Is the legendary family tree
Whose blossoms will continue to delighted many
Emerging generations for whom he has given hope
Those numerous project he initiated
This great son of Got Bolo had a vision
Jolly Awuor Mbuta was an icon
Pioneering sugarcane and pineapple cultivation
As a pilot project in an entire region
Long ,long before we saw independence
He had a vision for growth and progress
Mogwedhi Awuor Imbo was a luminary
Who was crowned with a State award
And became a Nyakach’s Councillor
With a host of influential friends
Who does not know Sir Henry?
Who does not know the winner of Presidential award?
The renowned agriculturalist of Nyakach
Who does not know the husband of Mama Kristina Orawo of Pap Rombe?
This is one man whose wisdom stands upright
Talk about farming as a living occupation
He was there to testify that it worked
As a substitute to white collar jobs
That had increasingly become very scarce
Who does not know Chief Zablon Akach?
That illustrious son of Nyakach
Who does not know Aloys Lajre of Kajimbo?
Brigitta Nyar Kabodho and Omolo Rafael?
These were his inspirational friends
With whom he shared common vision
Awuor Mbita had a vision and a mission
He had a dream for a golden Church bell,
That could be heard as far as Kisumu
That would adorn his dream Church
That Church already stands as a testimony,here
To his great Spirit of sacrifice in Got Bolo
The Church in which his spirit lives
We mourn Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo a shinning star
Whose song is sung by the birds of Got Bolo
Even the numerous orphans , widows and less fortunate members of Got Bolo salute him
We mourn him with our flocks , drums and hymns
We mourn a man with unique and memorable legacy
A man of selfless nature, mature in everything
We mourn a man of culture and good nurture
A man who has left behind much to cherish
For Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo the founder of Got Bolo
Wuon Got Bolo – Go well
Dhi gi kwe wuod Nyakach Kadinga
Ywe mos wuod Nyakach, nyakwar Nyaji, nyakwar Olela
May the almighty Lord
Keep the soul of wuod kadianga
In eternal peace..Mos wuod Mama kalera
Wuoth maber gi Ruoth
Got Bolo will not be the same again
As we mourn our
Brother, father and grandfather.
This is for Henry Awuor Imbo:The founder of Got Bolo
For Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo: The Noble Man of Nyakach.
- Akech Obat Masira
Got Bolo, Nyakach
September 11, 2010
Henry Awuor the son of Ibrahim Imbo
And Mama Anyango Kalara
Of kokwanyo, Mawego, Rachuonyo
We mourn the grandson of Nyaji
The son of Olela – his great grandfather
We mourn an orphan of long ago
Whose parents were taken by slavers
We mourn a great husband of Mama Kalara
Whose parents were murdered by cattle rustlers
We mourn Henry Awuor Imbo a unique person
The 8th in a family of ten and born in Nyakach
And now survived by his sister Magdale Akeyo,
To care for a homestead now left bare.
Who did not know Mzee Awuor of Nyakach kadianga?
The single individual who named Got Bolo
The place where he has left his indelible mark
A disciplined healthy man of good deeds
A man who cherishes his prayers
A man who supports church activities and catholism
A man who had a big heart for the needy
A man who developed infrastructure in Got Bolo
He build children’s nurseries and initiated road grading and building bridges
A man who generously donated his land
For Bolo – complex – for a multi –purpose mission
A man who was generous with wise counsel
On all human - interest issues
He sired intelligent off springs who are a boon to Kenyan society
A tree bedecked with twinkle stars
Each contributing its light to sturdy core
This eminent pioneer catechist
Is the legendary family tree
Whose blossoms will continue to delighted many
Emerging generations for whom he has given hope
Those numerous project he initiated
This great son of Got Bolo had a vision
Jolly Awuor Mbuta was an icon
Pioneering sugarcane and pineapple cultivation
As a pilot project in an entire region
Long ,long before we saw independence
He had a vision for growth and progress
Mogwedhi Awuor Imbo was a luminary
Who was crowned with a State award
And became a Nyakach’s Councillor
With a host of influential friends
Who does not know Sir Henry?
Who does not know the winner of Presidential award?
The renowned agriculturalist of Nyakach
Who does not know the husband of Mama Kristina Orawo of Pap Rombe?
This is one man whose wisdom stands upright
Talk about farming as a living occupation
He was there to testify that it worked
As a substitute to white collar jobs
That had increasingly become very scarce
Who does not know Chief Zablon Akach?
That illustrious son of Nyakach
Who does not know Aloys Lajre of Kajimbo?
Brigitta Nyar Kabodho and Omolo Rafael?
These were his inspirational friends
With whom he shared common vision
Awuor Mbita had a vision and a mission
He had a dream for a golden Church bell,
That could be heard as far as Kisumu
That would adorn his dream Church
That Church already stands as a testimony,here
To his great Spirit of sacrifice in Got Bolo
The Church in which his spirit lives
We mourn Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo a shinning star
Whose song is sung by the birds of Got Bolo
Even the numerous orphans , widows and less fortunate members of Got Bolo salute him
We mourn him with our flocks , drums and hymns
We mourn a man with unique and memorable legacy
A man of selfless nature, mature in everything
We mourn a man of culture and good nurture
A man who has left behind much to cherish
For Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo the founder of Got Bolo
Wuon Got Bolo – Go well
Dhi gi kwe wuod Nyakach Kadinga
Ywe mos wuod Nyakach, nyakwar Nyaji, nyakwar Olela
May the almighty Lord
Keep the soul of wuod kadianga
In eternal peace..Mos wuod Mama kalera
Wuoth maber gi Ruoth
Got Bolo will not be the same again
As we mourn our
Brother, father and grandfather.
This is for Henry Awuor Imbo:The founder of Got Bolo
For Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo: The Noble Man of Nyakach.
- Akech Obat Masira
Got Bolo, Nyakach
September 11, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Misango Arts on the campaigns for/against new constitution in Kenya
The role of the arts is holistically all embracing in addressing the current proposed constitutional debate in Kenya. Its uppermost function in the promotion of the YES VOTE CAMPAIGN is fundamentally informative, educative, entertaining, motivating, interactive and also participatory.
The arts accord vision, perspective and sense of mission in all aspects of human endeavours. In day existence it breathes new life through its creative genius. All arts aspects of arts are integral to the life of the traditional African communities giving worth to individuals and therefore reinforcing their identify. The arts provide a powerful means of healing, education communication expression. From the spiritual to mundane. The arts have profound bearing on all aspects of human life. Life, whose totality is, captured in the new proposed constitution of our nation, the constitution we want.
The constitutions we Kenya’s have yearned for decades. The constitution we want.
The constitution that promotes freedom of expressions, (Bill of rights - Rights and fundamental rights). As artistes, this is the reason why we urge our compatriots to vote YES in the forthcoming referendum in August this vote for change vote for posterity.
Arts, has since time immemorial been related to the sustainability of society in its various manifestation. Once in al life time, the new proposed constitution of Kenya will offer a long lasting life - line of Kenyans in diversity. Arts gives the youths opportunity to interact and thus helps in developing of their social skills - to understand the quite scene of good governance. In nutshell and good and all embracing constitution is what we want.
The YES VOTE wills guarantee continuity and development in diversity. It will offer a beacon of hope from adversity. It is the only path to unity healing and national cohesion.
The YES vote will assure Kenyans of new civil liberties, safeguarding our lives, liberty and property. It will be a great leap from the past iniquities: the rotten cultures of impunity, greed and corruption and tribalism. The new proposed constitution so to speak will also accord Kenyans with rate and ample opportunity to foster individuals assumers talents and human potential in each individual endeavours.
The YES Vote is a ticket to prosperity.
The YES vote will guarantee everyone with affordable quality health care, functional education, social welfare and social services. A new dawn with a promise of rosy things to come. The new constitution will also assure the youth with equal opportunity to actively participate fully in the affairs of our nation and also to partake off and enjoy the fruits of progress guaranteed under the proposed new constitution.
Artistry is very interesting, pleasurable, memorable, vivid and easy to understand a viable vehicle for the prevention of such good governance information on the new constitution to many people.
Lastly, arts will accord vision in the new constitution making in Kenya.
Artistes as opposed to politician see the new constitution beyond the mortal beings and therefore will use artistic genres to enhance the YES vote campaign in an exciting and provocative media.
Prof John Habsen of City University New York asserts that ‘NO’ constitution draft can anticipate all of the social, economic cultural and other changes that are to come. So a new constitution has to live and mature in changing society. In stating guiding principal, no constitution provides all answers on how to implement those principles’. The proposed new constitution provides all answers on how constitution was artistes believe a beacon of hope.
The chapter 4 - Bill of Rights - 40 (5) has the best and art - friendly clause - the promotion of innovation and creativity, particularly the protection of innovation and protection intellectual rights: these are copyright, trade mark and inventions.
Art touches the heart and the mind of the people potential in addressing and in communicating effectively the diverse, pertinent and development issues. This form of medium is not only immediate but also familiar to the grassroots community. It uses an exciting, provocative, stimulating but also proactive medium. It has been used for different purposes ranging from pedagogy, entertainment, criticism to socialization.
The artistes therefore should utilise various genres of arts in addressing the critical issues on why the new proposed constitution should be promoted and supported so that the YES VOTE campaign succeeds. New proposed constitution has elicited support from various quarters. A law scholar, Prof. Yash Pal Ghai - former chairman of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission stated that “the proposed new constitution will address issues of social justice and enhance independence of judiciary among many other provisions that would improve governance and spur development at local level.”
Lastly, I would like to quote Prof Makau Mutua and he states that “the new proposed constitution contains everything and it is the most democratic constitution in the county’s history.” As artistes we should concur with the two legal scholars on the proposed Kenya’s constitution.
As Kenyan artistes we have a cardinal role to play and we must play it now or never. The artistes must “build and strengthen partnership and alliances in the promotion of human rights. Let’s use arts as a beacon of hope in the fight against culture of impurity.”
Arts as a social tool for empowerment should address and bridge governance gaps in Kenya. Lastly arts transcend mortal beings and also parochial vested Political interest. In conclusion in out will play central role arts a beacon of hope constitution making in Kenya.
The arts accord vision, perspective and sense of mission in all aspects of human endeavours. In day existence it breathes new life through its creative genius. All arts aspects of arts are integral to the life of the traditional African communities giving worth to individuals and therefore reinforcing their identify. The arts provide a powerful means of healing, education communication expression. From the spiritual to mundane. The arts have profound bearing on all aspects of human life. Life, whose totality is, captured in the new proposed constitution of our nation, the constitution we want.
The constitutions we Kenya’s have yearned for decades. The constitution we want.
The constitution that promotes freedom of expressions, (Bill of rights - Rights and fundamental rights). As artistes, this is the reason why we urge our compatriots to vote YES in the forthcoming referendum in August this vote for change vote for posterity.
Arts, has since time immemorial been related to the sustainability of society in its various manifestation. Once in al life time, the new proposed constitution of Kenya will offer a long lasting life - line of Kenyans in diversity. Arts gives the youths opportunity to interact and thus helps in developing of their social skills - to understand the quite scene of good governance. In nutshell and good and all embracing constitution is what we want.
The YES VOTE wills guarantee continuity and development in diversity. It will offer a beacon of hope from adversity. It is the only path to unity healing and national cohesion.
The YES vote will assure Kenyans of new civil liberties, safeguarding our lives, liberty and property. It will be a great leap from the past iniquities: the rotten cultures of impunity, greed and corruption and tribalism. The new proposed constitution so to speak will also accord Kenyans with rate and ample opportunity to foster individuals assumers talents and human potential in each individual endeavours.
The YES Vote is a ticket to prosperity.
The YES vote will guarantee everyone with affordable quality health care, functional education, social welfare and social services. A new dawn with a promise of rosy things to come. The new constitution will also assure the youth with equal opportunity to actively participate fully in the affairs of our nation and also to partake off and enjoy the fruits of progress guaranteed under the proposed new constitution.
Artistry is very interesting, pleasurable, memorable, vivid and easy to understand a viable vehicle for the prevention of such good governance information on the new constitution to many people.
Lastly, arts will accord vision in the new constitution making in Kenya.
Artistes as opposed to politician see the new constitution beyond the mortal beings and therefore will use artistic genres to enhance the YES vote campaign in an exciting and provocative media.
Prof John Habsen of City University New York asserts that ‘NO’ constitution draft can anticipate all of the social, economic cultural and other changes that are to come. So a new constitution has to live and mature in changing society. In stating guiding principal, no constitution provides all answers on how to implement those principles’. The proposed new constitution provides all answers on how constitution was artistes believe a beacon of hope.
The chapter 4 - Bill of Rights - 40 (5) has the best and art - friendly clause - the promotion of innovation and creativity, particularly the protection of innovation and protection intellectual rights: these are copyright, trade mark and inventions.
Art touches the heart and the mind of the people potential in addressing and in communicating effectively the diverse, pertinent and development issues. This form of medium is not only immediate but also familiar to the grassroots community. It uses an exciting, provocative, stimulating but also proactive medium. It has been used for different purposes ranging from pedagogy, entertainment, criticism to socialization.
The artistes therefore should utilise various genres of arts in addressing the critical issues on why the new proposed constitution should be promoted and supported so that the YES VOTE campaign succeeds. New proposed constitution has elicited support from various quarters. A law scholar, Prof. Yash Pal Ghai - former chairman of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission stated that “the proposed new constitution will address issues of social justice and enhance independence of judiciary among many other provisions that would improve governance and spur development at local level.”
Lastly, I would like to quote Prof Makau Mutua and he states that “the new proposed constitution contains everything and it is the most democratic constitution in the county’s history.” As artistes we should concur with the two legal scholars on the proposed Kenya’s constitution.
As Kenyan artistes we have a cardinal role to play and we must play it now or never. The artistes must “build and strengthen partnership and alliances in the promotion of human rights. Let’s use arts as a beacon of hope in the fight against culture of impurity.”
Arts as a social tool for empowerment should address and bridge governance gaps in Kenya. Lastly arts transcend mortal beings and also parochial vested Political interest. In conclusion in out will play central role arts a beacon of hope constitution making in Kenya.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Quest for New Constitution in Kenya: A Poem
GLOWS LIKE SUNSHINE IN KENYA
New proposed Kenya’s constitution
Glows like sunshine in Kenya
Amidst hurdles, confusion, tensions
And bombs.
Throbbing Kenya of a new hope
Hope for a better tomorrow
Hope for a Kenya we want
A new nation of civility
And of humans rights culture
As
Referendum date dawns in August 2010
New constitution is
Unstoppable like River Nile
VOTE YES
A dawn of spirit of unity
And national cohesion
Unity of purpose
Unity of 42 ethnic groups divided into units
For political manipulation and propaganda
And manipulated like puppets
VOTE YES
for
Kenya we are fighting for
Kenya we are maimed for
Kenya we are detained for
Kenya we are bombed for
Kenya we are yearning for
Kenya betrayed and auctioned
At the alter of greed and corruption
Auctioned by minority, super rich and their associates
Kenya fragmented into smaller tribal units.
Kenya of ‘kitu kidogo’ and miracle babies
Kenya of scandals and commission of inquiries Kenya
A nation recuperating from cancer
Cancer of social ills, manipulation, circus
And theatre of absurd
Of mid night media raid
Of constitutional clause mutilation
At Government Printers
VOTE YES
Vote Victory
For rights and fundamental rights.
New constitution glows like sunshine in Kenya
Like River Nile it is unstoppable
VOTE YES
For new salvation and democratization
A new dawn has dawned in Kenya again
A new constitution that throbs our hearts
With dignity, hope and vision
VOTE YES
Aketch Obat Masira
DIRECTOR - MISANGO ARTS ENSEMBLE
CHAIRMAN, LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM MAKERS GUILD (KENYA)
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com.
New proposed Kenya’s constitution
Glows like sunshine in Kenya
Amidst hurdles, confusion, tensions
And bombs.
Throbbing Kenya of a new hope
Hope for a better tomorrow
Hope for a Kenya we want
A new nation of civility
And of humans rights culture
As
Referendum date dawns in August 2010
New constitution is
Unstoppable like River Nile
VOTE YES
A dawn of spirit of unity
And national cohesion
Unity of purpose
Unity of 42 ethnic groups divided into units
For political manipulation and propaganda
And manipulated like puppets
VOTE YES
for
Kenya we are fighting for
Kenya we are maimed for
Kenya we are detained for
Kenya we are bombed for
Kenya we are yearning for
Kenya betrayed and auctioned
At the alter of greed and corruption
Auctioned by minority, super rich and their associates
Kenya fragmented into smaller tribal units.
Kenya of ‘kitu kidogo’ and miracle babies
Kenya of scandals and commission of inquiries Kenya
A nation recuperating from cancer
Cancer of social ills, manipulation, circus
And theatre of absurd
Of mid night media raid
Of constitutional clause mutilation
At Government Printers
VOTE YES
Vote Victory
For rights and fundamental rights.
New constitution glows like sunshine in Kenya
Like River Nile it is unstoppable
VOTE YES
For new salvation and democratization
A new dawn has dawned in Kenya again
A new constitution that throbs our hearts
With dignity, hope and vision
VOTE YES
Aketch Obat Masira
DIRECTOR - MISANGO ARTS ENSEMBLE
CHAIRMAN, LAKE VICTORIA BASIN FILM MAKERS GUILD (KENYA)
Email: obatmasira@yahoo.com.
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