Dampened Spirits stage play. (Courtesy)
Little Theatre Club in Mombasa was showing the play ‘Dampened Spirits’. The two-person play stars John Wasonga directed by Catherine Enane who also plays his character’s mother. We caught up with Wasonga:
Tell us about the play.
The play takes on a journey of a young boy, Wesley, who is grappling with bed wetting. It explores the issue of self-imposed stigma, societal stigma, rejection and how these can affect a young boy’s life to teenagehood. It is not only about how to accept things that we cannot change but also how to support those who do through things that we do not understand.
Audience engagement is a strong element in the play. What else do you find unique about this artistic work?
The play involves storytelling,music, acting, dance, percussion and audience participation. We asked the audience questions so that they can ponder and share the stigmas that they have faced. It has a serious theme with comical angle so that the audience is not left with heavy hearts. What’s more, we chose to stage the play in this small auditorium as opposed to the main one, both here at Little Theatre Club, since we aimed for an intimate connection with the audience because this show exudes personal feelings to me.
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Why did you opt for a two-person play?
Actors showcase their versatility by seamlessly transitioning between different characters. This transformation can highlight their range and skill, making the performance dynamic and engaging. With limited actors, the play often relies on clever storytelling, using dialogue, physicality, and vocal changes to convey different identities and relationships. The audience is invited to use their imagination, filling in the gaps and interpreting the relationships and dynamics between characters. A smaller cast often fosters a more intimate atmosphere, allowing for deep emotional connections.
What would you say is the current state of stage performances in Mombasa?
Theatre is growing and it is becoming dynamic. The Little Theatre Club is engaging artists in capacity building, for actors, dancers, light technicians, and puppeteers.