ProPerArt stage play on fright and plight of carjack victims
ProPertArt members in the play ‘When it Rains’ to be staged at the Phoenix Players Theatre. Photo/ANTHONY NJAGI
Prompted by the rising number of carjackings and abductions, playwright and thespian JPR Ochieng’ Odero has written a new play, When it Rains.
The play to be staged at Phoenix Players presents real life stories of victims of crime.
When it Rains is therefore a reaction to the society’s need and fledgling attempt to relate to crimes, especially those that revolting and terrifying type such as rape, robbery and murder.
“In this play we ride on these conflicts and deluge of emotions,” said JPR.
Using storytelling to encourage public discussion on how to deal and cope with crime, JPR and his colleagues began this project in 2004.
They interviewed victims of crime who survived to tell their stories.
One such harrowing case is that of the Kenyan scientist working at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe), who was carjacked with his wife on their way home along Waiyaki Way.
The couple was held hostage for over six hours, as their captors used their car to rob other Kenyans in the Lavington area.
When it Rains is a “multi-media convergence project”, so the story will be presnted both on stage and film.
ProPerArt and Phoenix Players are also designing this production as unique training ground for the youth.
The play is produced by Kigara Kamweru of ProPerArt and Millicent Ogutu of Phoenix Players and directed by George Mungai.
