The Kenya National Theatre in uptown Nairobi will from 22nd February to 24th February 2022 host an event dubbed the ‘Performing Arts Conference 2022’. The overarching theme will be ‘Decolonization, Intercultural Collaboration and Social Disruption.’ The chief guest at the opening ceremony will be Mr. Michael Pundo, the CEO of the Kenya Cultural Centre.
Event poster
Speakers
A stellar line-up of speakers, moderators and facilitators is scheduled to grace the event. They include academics, thespians and art critics. The list of participants includes, but is not limited to, Dr. Mshai Mwangola, Prof. John Mugubi, Rose A. Omolo-Ongati, Jacqueline Zinale Bullindah, Millicent Ogutu, Alexander Nderitu, Dr. Mbugua Njoroge, Dr. Malachai Apudo, Dr. Patrick Monte, Carol Sambai, Evelyne Mushira, Michael Pundo, Dr. Lagat Kiprop, Prof. Emily Akuno, Prof. Christopher Odhiambo, Prof. Emily Akuno, Dr. Fredrick Mbogo, Dr. Mukasa Situma Wafula, Dr. Emmanuel Shikuku, Prof. Frederick Ngala, Dr. Kahithe Kiiru, Dr. Zipporah Okoth, Joseph Ochieng Obel, Dr. Jacqueline Bullinda, Dr. Elijah Adongo, Mariam El Mamlouk, Roy Gitahi, Kahithe Kiiru, Joy Mboya, Eric Wainaina, Mueni Lundi, Jacob Ubwa, Dr. Emmanuel Shikuku, Prof. Rose Ongati, Dr. Garnette Oluoch, Dr. Oliver Mbayi, Prof. Emily Akuno, Prof. Emily Akuno and Prof. John Mugubi.
Besides paper presentations, there will also be panel discussions and stage performances.
Dr. Mshai Mwangola during a past event. (Photo: Courtesy)
Topics of Discussion
Apart from the overall theme, discussions will fall under several other sub-themes, including:
- The music and theatre arts’ response to social disruption as a consequence of, among others, the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Identity and elements of decolonization
- The central place of the arts in enabling individuals to engage in, determine and articulate life, situations, and relationships.
Evidently, the impact of COVID-19 on the performing arts (and the way forward) is expected to be a major talking point. There will also be an International Panel Discussion (Kenya, Sweden, Brazil, Denmark and USA) on ‘Artistic Citizenship.’ In addition, there will be a workshop on the ‘Use of Participative Storytelling In Conflict Resolution And Peace-Building.’
Registration
The event is open to the public. Tickets range from Kshs 500 (early bird) to Kshs 1,000 (regular). Those wishing to attend may register via the link below:
https://forms.gle/fEyjRZaVDW1GWMBP6
This post was written by the author in their personal capacity.The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of The Theatre Times, their staff or collaborators.
This post was written by Alexander Nderitu.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.
