Hive of Theatre, also known as Hive of the Arts, is set to captivate Nairobi audiences with its daring revival of Kifo Kisimani (Death in the Well), the celebrated Swahili play by renowned Kenyan writer and academic Prof. Kithaka wa Mberia. The much-anticipated production will run on 2nd and 3rd August 2025, from 2 to 6 PM on both days, at C.U. Shah Jain Bhavan (Chandaria Jain Social Group Auditorium) in Loresho, Nairobi.
Tickets are available now on Mookh, priced at Ksh. 1,000 (Early Bird), Ksh. 1,500 (Advance), and Ksh. 2,000 at the Gate.
Set in the fictional village of Butangi, Kifo Kisimani tells the story of Mwelusi, a fearless citizen who dares to challenge the ruthless dictatorship of Mtemi Bokono. Through sharp dialogue, layered symbolism, and gripping characters, the play interrogates themes of oppression, betrayal, nationalism, and the heavy cost of liberation. Mwelusi’s fight for justice reflects timeless struggles for freedom and sacrifice, resonating strongly with contemporary audiences.
At the helm of this revival is Martin Kigondu, an award-winning Kenyan director and filmmaker celebrated for his bold artistic vision. Fresh from winning Best Director and Best Producer at the 2024 Kenya Theatre Awards, Kigondu brings fresh intensity and emotional depth to this classic.
The cast features a dynamic mix of Kenya’s finest rising and established talent. Leading as Mwelusi is Gadwill Odhiambo, a Kalasha Award-winning actor, director, and film lecturer, known for his versatility and recent work as assistant director in The Trial of Dedan Kimathi (2025). Opposite him is Ben Tekee as the authoritarian Bokono, a seasoned actor celebrated for his charismatic and nuanced performances across stage and screen. Cosmas Kirui portrays Gege with commanding stage presence, while Gaitan Brian takes on the role of Zigu, drawing from a strong background in set book theatre and national stage performances.
Other notable cast members include Alison Kariuki (Nyalwe), Afrikan Nduta (Kaloo), Ernest Onyango (Askari III), Samson Omondi (Mweke), Pollyanna Njeri (Azena), Sanchez Ombasa (Askari I), Wanjiku Waweru (Tanya), Muringo Mware (Mgezi), Fiona Thaithi, Fredrick Mito, and Ted Munene—each bringing depth and authenticity to this reimagined classic.
This is no ordinary restaging. Hive promises an unapologetically fresh take on Kifo Kisimani—a reinvigorated production infused with bold staging, sharp direction, and deep emotional resonance. For Hive, this project is about redefining Kenyan performance art, pushing boundaries, and creating theatre that is as reflective as it is transformative.
Producers Wanjiru Njoroge and Shiko Ngure sum it up: “Hive is really about creating work that connects and makes people laugh, feel, and reflect—maybe even heal a bit. We’re not trying to be perfect; we’re trying to be present, bold, and honest.”
Kifo Kisimani Returns to Nairobi is more than a revival—it is a conversation with the past and present, a theatrical mirror held up to society’s struggles, and a bold reminder of the enduring power of art to challenge, inspire, and ignite change.
