Coast Region:
So here i shall try and be abit more systematic! I shall start from the youngest in the field of directing to the more experienced ones....
Mbaruk Mwalimu Wazzah a product of Malindi High and was trained by one Joseph Akwiri. This young man is quite jovial and very friendly. Haven't interacted with him much but the few times we have spoken he's quite expressive and aware of the theatre industry. Was among the best actors in 2012 while on stage with Malindi High and went on to join KIMC where he was also assisting in the productions of the institute. He works with the very talented students of Waa Girls. Hope to see your work this year at the Nationals Mbaruk!
Kevin Lubanga is down to earth and at times very quite. Except when your someone he's free with and he lets loose. Works with Puma Secondary School, Khamis High School and also is affiliated with Waa Girls. A gifted poet that will make headway soon in the festival. But stop hiding in Kampala on your scripting expeditions Kevin.
Sharif & Amakobe are the dynamic duo in coast. To me they seem like the younger version of Yusuf Mwinyihija & Daniel Mwaringa. Talented young men and though i've not interacted with Amakobe, I know Sharif as a former student and actor at KIMC. Listens to critique and actually acts on it! Very talented in scripting and can only get better with experience.
Joseph Akwiri is the apt Director of Malindi High. Haven't spoken to him if i may be honest, but from what I gather he's a very able no nonsense Director when he's bringing his script to life. His play was position 2 in 2012 while the nationals were in Kakamega! We await the boys of Malindi this year Joseph.
Penny Suleiman Chidonga is a choreograper that is very down to earth and brilliant in his work! He loves life to the fullest and takes his wins as well as lack of wins in stride. Has worked with Matuga Girls as well as Kwale Girls. I still remember the winning dance in 2003 by Matuga girls where one of the dancers' waist band fell while she was at the forefront, the girl just went back stage, tied the waist band of her costume and came back on stage, with more vigour than she had before! That takes alot of mental and physical strength for a student to do and it just goes to show that she has been moulded into an artist by a true artist! The girl went on to be the best dancer that year. Kudos Penny! He is not on social media hence no photo of this gentleman as he claims he is too "old" for these things. hehehehehehehe
Moses Nyongesa is a man who likes to be in the background. Very quiet but quite friendly when you interact with him. Formerly of Ribe Boys now with Kajembe High School. We await your performance sir.
Celine Lusweti is a lady i have had the pleasure of interacting with as we were both in the modern dance interest group at the National Workshop in 2014. A very disciplined teacher and dancer if I may say so. She has been with Vuga Primary (Wining dance Primary 2010) and as of last year was at Ziwani Primary School. We await those beautiful coastal moves on stage Celine!
Esther Mbaga is the Secretary Secondary Schools Drama in Coast Region. An avid reader, a dedicated teacher and a very good critique. Just incase you did not know she has been an adjudicator for quite some time upto and including at the national level! A woman who will not lie to you with regards to her own views on your script!
Daniel Mwaringa.....I think you can not mention Drama Festivals in the Coast Region without mentioning this man! Known for his truly "African" dressing during the festivals and no nonsense look on the bench! At times some students would be very demoralized while trying to crack jokes on stage and the man will not even blink let alone smile. An experienced teacher/lecturer, adjudicator, facilitator, director and soon to be "Doctor" after his award for his PhD! He is currently a lecturer at the Technical University of Mombasa where he has been working alongside Yusuf Mwinyihija to lay proper foundation for "TEAM KUBWA!" Is the immediate former Chairman of the Coast Colleges and Universities Drama Festival.
Elizabeth Ngare....Mother, teacher, friend and dancer extra extraordinaire. And i know for a fact because i've shared a stage with her and she can move. A brilliant choreographer who has worked with Consolata School (winning dance at the nationals) and is currently the head of Likoni School for the Visually Impaired. An accomplished adjudicator with very good insight on scripting, musicality and dance!
Last but definatley not least is Yusuf Mwinyihija. Where do I begin? Its difficult to write about this man who has achieved so much. Pioneer Coastal films Best Actor award,Udhalimu TV programme Best Actor award and even The Distinguished service to Kenyan theater award in 2000. Has scripted winning plays for so long i can not even start to mention them. But i will not forget "Garang". It'll forever be etched on my mind. This man has even been fought with "rumours" due to his steller performance. A facilitator, adjudicator and scholar as you can see from the photo! This man has the ability to make you laugh histerically without even smiling! He directs "Team Kubwa" and is also a very good resource in developing your plot. A very friendly and jovial guy. Keep up the spirit Yusuf!
Central i'm coming to you!!!!!!!
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