Take away the Lady!
A thriller by Jimmie Chinn, adapted by Festival of Creative Arts (FCA)
6, 7, 8 May at Alliance Francaise.
FRI 6th May at 6:30 and 8pm, SAT and SUN at 3pm, 6pm and 8pm.
Intriguing glimpses into a cupboard full of family skeletons, together with detective work, combine in this unusual suspense play, to keep everyone guessing until the very last page. A man, still protesting his innocence, returns home from prison, after serving fifteen years for allegedly murdering his mother. Who did kill Mother? It takes an apparent suicide and a good deal of amateur sleuthing before the truth is revealed and the lady can be taken away.
Stern, dour, autocratic big sister Dorothy (Mbeki Mwalimu), who runs the family residence as if it's an army installation, has called the family together for an ominous announcement. The sisters don't get along, and the sarcasm and tension between them cuts to the bone.
Last-born sister Emma (Nduta M’mbogori), who plays her beloved card game with the determination of a serial killer, seems somewhat loose around the brain. Her acid-tongued sister Cecilia (Nice Githinji), who escaped the family years ago by marrying sweet, attentive Richard (Francis Amos), paces and smokes nervously, wanting to get out of the oppression as soon as possible; she's in high dudgeon having to await the arrival of supercilious sister-in-law Hilda (Liz Ngugi), who's carried on a fulfilling social life while her hubby is conveniently away. No one likes her, either.
And what, pray tell, is big sister’s great message? Why, that their brother Mathew (Martin Githinji), their sister-in-law’s husband, is "coming home" at last. It's not so much that he's arriving, but where he's been that's the problem. After 5 years, he's out of prison, having served his sentence for murdering dear Mother, whom he pushed off the balcony during a heated argument about finances. This news sets the dysfunctional, crazy family flying. What complicates matters further is his resolute insistence on his innocence. If he didn't do it, who did? It had to be someone in this house, for they were all living here at the time of the murder. But, of course, he's not to be completely ruled out as a suspect, for he's been a liar all his life, and a crook to boot, squandering the family fortune.
The murderer could be any one of them. Even the mentally unbalanced father Charles (John Muturi) isn't above suspicion, because, years ago, he forgave wayward Mom her many lovers and took her back — or did he? The audience goes along for this twisty ride, never knowing who's telling the truth and trying to stay one step ahead of the story. Then, in perfect fashion, to really throw things into confusion, there's a second murder. Lovely!
Smoothly directed by Carole Odongo, the play is embodied by an excellent ensemble cast who react to each other as if they really are members of the same nutty family. The plot is so deliciously spun, clues are dropped when least expected, and the audience is kept unbalanced by numerous red herrings and things hidden in plain sight. Francis Amos is superbly convincing as quick witted husband, while John Muturi plays father with strong, natural presence.
With his charmer's looks, Martin Githinji, as prodigal son, is especially riveting. He's matched by Mbeki Mwalimu, who, as strict big sis, seems as constricted inside and as tightly-coiled snake on the outside, and by Nduta M’mbogori, who, as flighty dim-witted small sis, may not be as distracted as she seems. It's all a clever game of cat and mouse on the author's layered chessboard, with — eventually — one big cat and a lot of rats.
This play, produced by Abuto Eliud, is one thriller you cannot afford to miss. Clearly defined artistic direction, combined with excellent casting, realistic set and costumes makes for a strong production that will hold attention till the last.
Book your ticket today.
Tickets available at Alliance Francaise and Hentage Music Shop at 8 to 8 mall on Moi Avenue. Students @ 400/-, Adults at 500/-. To book tickets call 0726524124 (MPESA) or 020-2025811/0734524124 (ZAP)
Advance tickets @400/- purchased by 2 May. Email: fcakenya@gmail.com
