Wonder woman: The making of fearless Mekatilili wa Menza

Lead actor Nikita Wakonyu performing as Mnyazi during the rehearsal for their play dubbed 'Mekatilili Wa Menza, The Story Of The Kenyan Wonder Woman ' at their Woodcreek School along Kamiti Road in Nairobi on October 10, 2022. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

"Mekatilili is the first Kenyan female activist to fight against the colonialists. In my role, I feel like she gave women a voice to stand up for themselves. She managed to rally people together for a common goal, which is a big lesson for me," says Wakonyu.

According to Wakonyu, the most moving part of the play is the scene where Mekatilili is presented with the head of her son, Katilili, soon after she arrives back in Giriama land from exile. Katilili had taken over his mother's cause after she was sent to exile. Hobley, the white man's henchman, orders soldiers to behead Katilili and present his head and body to Mekatilili.

"This is a very touching moment for me. I imagine how much my mum cares for me and imagine how hurtful it would be if she had watched me get beheaded. She definitely would not be the same just like what happened to Mekatilili after her son was killed. She grew stronger and resilient," says Wakonyu.

Before his murder, Katilili had put up a fierce fight against Hobley, the ultimate symbol of colonial supremacy that had sent his mother to exile. "Hobley is a racist. Playing his role makes me understand how the white colonialists treated our ancestors, how they just came in and took our land," says 14-year-old Micah Kaboi, who plays Hobley in the show. Nothing seems to kill Mekatilili's fighting spirit - not even her son's death. Instead, she grows more determined to fight her tormentors.

These battles and more, the students at Woodcreek School meticulously reenact on stage. For the 60 young actors and actresses supported by about 150 behind the scene crew, the seven-month rehearsal period was an intense but fascinating experience. "The story of Mekatilili teaches the students the importance of working together for a common goal," says Kavoi, the play's director.

Ultimately, the production is a giant step in preparing young actors and actresses for acting careers. The production also serves as a mentorship programme where the production's crew including the scenic designer, producer, director, and stage managers, are assigned students to mentor.