The inaugural Kenya Theatre Awards (KTA) ceremony took place on Thursday 17th February 2022. The glamorous black-and-gold themed event was held at the Kenya National Theatre (KNT). The big winners of the night included Nick Ndeda, Wakio Mzenge, Nice Githinji, Liquid Arts Entertainment, KCA University and Millaz Productions. The most feted shows included Subira (the Musical), Blackout, Breathe III and Simba Bazenga (the Musical).
The award ceremony took place at the historic Kenya National Theatre. (Photo: KTA)
Special awards were also dished out, including a Lifetime Achievement Award that went to veteran actor, playwright and educator David Mulwa.
Below is a complete list of those who bagged KTAs.
Category Winners
Some of the winners, enjoying the moment.
- Ted Munene Blackout Best Breakthrough Male Performer
- Vivian Nyawira Katiba Best Breakthrough Female Performer
- Sarah Masese Heart of Euphoria Best Performance By A Female Actor In A Supporting Role (Play)
- Mike Ndeda Blackout Best Performance By A Male Actor In A Supporting Role (Play)
- Elizabeth Nekoye In the Heights Best Performance By A Female Actor In A Supporting Role (Musical)
- Gilbert Lukalia Subira Best Performance By A Male Actor In A Supporting Role (Musical)
- Wakio Mzenge Breathe III Best Performance By A Female Actor In A Lead Role (Play)
- Nick Ndeda Back to Basics Best Performance By A Male Actor In A Lead Role (Play)
- Esther Kamba Dilation – Maabara Showcase Best Performance In A Solo Production: Male/Female
- Nice Githinji Subira Best Performance By A Female Actor In A Lead Role (Musical)
- Mundawarara Shaun Subira Best Performance By A Male Actor In A Lead Role (Musical)
- Xavier Nato Blackout Best Kenyan Playwright
- Clare Wahome Blackout Best Producer
- Sammy Mwangi Three is a Crowd Best Director
- Brian Irungu Blackout Best Set Design
- Charles Stephen Breathe III Best Lighting Design
- Sarakasi – African Contemporary African Contemporary Best Original Choreography In A Musical/Play
- Rodgers Ng’inga Simba Bazenga Best Musical Score/Arrangements/Adaptation
- Michael James Nyanga Best Sound Design
- Palacina Interiors The Nutcracker Best Costumes Design
- KCA University Simba Bazenga Best Production
- KCA University Simba Bazenga Best Musical Theater Production
- Fanaka Arts Hiuria Muiko Best Kikwetu Production
- Ogutu Muraya Calls Of The Hummingbird Best Virtual Show
- St. Mary’s School In the Heights Best Children’s Play
- KCA University KCA University Best University/ College Theater Group
- Liquid Arts Productions Liquid Arts Productions Best Theater Company of The Year
- Egerton University Wild Exposed Best Dance Theatre
Other Awards Winners
John Sibi-Okumu (centre) with Kevin Kahuro (left) and Clare Wahome
- World Impact Award (for an individual or production that raises the bar of Kenya Theatre Internationally) – John Sibi-Okumu
- Life Time Achievement Award (for individuals in the industry for more than 30 years.) – David Mulwa
- Jury Special Award (for outstanding contribution to Kenyan Theatre) – Alacoque Ntome
- Ushirika Award (for individuals and advertising, corporate, government entities or venues that support theatre) – Kenya Cultural Centre
Images
Below are assorted photos from the award ceremony, courtesy of KTA management:
Entrance to the venue.
Actor/Producer Mbeki Mwalimu arrives in style.
Sitawa Namwalie, juror
Ian Mbugua, veteran actor and TV talent judge
Director Sammy Mwangi of Heartstrings Ensemble.
Nick Ndeda, winner of Best Performance By A Male Actor In A Lead Role
Some of the winners on stage.
A cross-section of the KTA winners.
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.
