Muntu
Directed by Wakanyote, a cultural hero of post-colonial East Africa produced by Africa Connection Aotearoa.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Martyn Sanderson, theatre visionary, actor, writer and director who is the force behind this project.
Please join us in supporting the tireless work of Martyn and his wife, Wanjiku Kiarie, in attendance of Muntu.
The revered Kenyan artist, playwright and theatre director Wakanyote Njuguna has arrived in Wellington to direct a workshop production of the famous African play Muntu with a cast comprising a mix of African Kiwis and Toi Whakaari second year acting school students.
Wakanyote is a cultural hero of post-colonial East Africa and has been brought here by Africa Connection Aotearoa (Martyn Sanderson and Wanjiku Kiarie).
When the All Africa Conference of Churches invited Ghanaian poet Joe de Graft to write a play to entertain those gathered for a church conference in Nairobi, in 1975, they got more than they bargained for. De Graft wrote, produced and acted in Muntu which presented in dramatic form a critique of the impact of Christianity on African cultures. Delegates found themselves watching a vibrant pageant that begins with the Creation, depicts upheaval in the form of colonisation, the slave trade, the more recent and ongoing struggle for independence and ends with questions facing Africans (and the rest of the world) in the late 20th century.
‘Muntu’ means ‘humankind’, ourselves, but the essence of this drama, its style and tikanga, is specifically African. Muntu’s children are shown progressively falling apart and losing their innocence, prey to uncontrollable external forces. This piece is an epic work which pulsates with the energy of drumming, song, dance, mime and poetry.
| Where: | Otaki Memorial Hall, Main Street, Otaki |
| When: | Fri 16 October, 7.30 pm |
| Price: | $15, $10 concession |
| Bookings: | Otaki Travel, 74 Main Street, in the Otaki shopping centre and door sales. |
| Where: | Lower Hutt Little Theatre,Library Building, 2 Queens Drive, Lower Hutt |
| When: | Sat 17 October, 2pm and 8pm |
| Price: | $15, $10 concession |
| Bookings: | at Downstage Theatre ONLINE and Door sales |
| Where: | Te Whaea National Dance & Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown, Wellington |
| When: | Sun 18 October, 3pm |
| Price: | $15, $10 concession |
| Bookings: | at Downstage Theatre ONLINE and Door sales |
