Phase 3: Local stories at the National Theatre

The final aspect of the arts-based research work in Kenya was the production of a full-length professional performance devised from community stories which have emerged over the previous two years.

The performance team was composed of 20 selected community members from Osiri and Kagaga and professional actors as well as a creative team overseeing the production.

The performance was staged at the Kisumu Social Centre and National Theatre, Nairobi in August 2026.

Creative process

The process for this third phase of the project followed four steps between April and August 2026:

1. Research and development: an intensive six-day period with community members and the creative team to select specific research stories from the project as well as skills development.
2. Writing: a professional writer develops a script from the materials developed in the research and development phase.
3. Content development: movement and music director have allocated rehearsal space for the development of disciplinary specific motifs and compositions.
4. Rehearsal and performance: a six-week rehearsal process leading to performance.

Death and the Future

Death and The Future is a one act play where the community have been summoned to the funeral of the future. Questions are asked who has killed the future and who should face judgement as a result of their actions in the community.

Between community stories and Luo folk stories, the audience are invited to question what is the future they want to see and what needs to be done to achieve it.

Explore other aspects of our research in Kenya.