Hive of Theatre, also known as Hive of the Arts, has announced its latest production: a bold and timely revival of Kifo Kisimani (Death in the Well), the acclaimed Swahili play by celebrated Kenyan writer and academic, Prof Kithaka wa Mberia.
Audiences will get the chance to experience this performance scheduled for the weekend of August 2–3, 2025, from 2–6pm on both days, at CU Shah Jain Bhavan (Chandaria Jain Social Group Auditorium) in Loresho, Nairobi.
Set in the fictional community of Butangi, Kifo Kisimani follows Mwelusi, a fearless citizen who dares to resist the brutal dictatorship of Mtemi Bokono. Through sharp dialogue, rich symbolism and vivid characters, the play explores oppression, betrayal, nationalism and the human cost of liberation. As Mwelusi fights for freedom, the story becomes a powerful mirror of resistance, justice and sacrifice.
This compelling revival is helmed by Martin Kigondu, an award-winning Kenyan theatre and filmmaker whose directorial vision is known for pushing creative boundaries. Kigondu recently won Best Director and Best Producer at the 2024 Kenya Theatre Awards, having previously clinched Best Playwright and Best Actor in a Solo Production.
A powerful ensemble of Kenya’s finest rising and established talent will bring emotional depth and authenticity to this reimagined classic. Leading the cast is Gadwill Odhiambo as Mwelusi, the play’s fierce protagonist. Gadwill is a Kalasha Award-winning actor, director and film lecturer celebrated for his versatility; he also served as Assistant Director in The Trial of Dedan Kimathi (2025).
Ben Tekee commands the role of Mtemi Bokono, the story’s authoritarian antagonist. Tekee brings a wealth of experience from TV, film and stage, known for his charismatic and intelligent portrayals.
Cosmas Kirui plays Gege, infusing the role with dynamic stage presence honed across theatre, television and live event platforms.
Gaitan Brian steps into the role of Zigu, bringing a strong background in set book theatre and public performances from the Kenya National Theatre stage.
The cast also features 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.
This year, Hive is raising the bar, and Kifo Kisimani is leading the charge. Far from a tired set book retelling, this revival brings fresh direction, bold staging and emotional depth to a timeless story. Layered, resonant, and unapologetically current, Hive’s take on Kifo Kisimani is a dynamic reimagination, set to challenge, connect and captivate. With this production, Hive continues to redefine the landscape of Kenyan performance art.
Wanjiru Njoroge and Shiko Ngure (producers of the show) sum it up: “Hive is really about creating work that connects and makes people laugh, feel, reflect – maybe even heal a bit. We’re not trying to be perfect, we’re trying to be present, bold and honest.”
Hive of Theatre, often referred to as Hive of the Arts, is a bold, multidisciplinary creative collective redefining performance art in Kenya. While rooted in theatre, Hive embraces all forms of expression, from spoken word, poetry, movement, music and drama – as tools for truth-telling and connection.
The collective first burst onto the scene in 2024 with DaiVerse, a production written and performed by Ngartia and produced by Wanjiru Njoroge and Wanjiku Ngure. Fusing storytelling, live music and spoken word to explore themes like masculinity, civic education and mental health, the performance earned praise for its emotional depth and cultural fluency. Since then, Hive has continued to push boundaries with layered, socially conscious work that speaks directly to the now.
Prof Kithaka wa Mberia, one of Kenya’s most celebrated literary voices, is known for his groundbreaking work in poetry, drama, and linguistics. A longtime professor at the University of Nairobi, his writing bridges academia and everyday Kenyan life.
With eight of his books approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) as official study texts, Kifo Kisimani has long been part of the national literary conversation, but Hive’s revival breathes new life into it, transforming the text into a living, urgent piece of performance art.
Tickets are available now at Mookh, with pricing set at KES1,000 (early bird), KES1,500 (advance) and KES2,000 at the gate.
