Popular Theatre Show Too Early For Birds is back

After a prolonged hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenyan theatre group Too Early For Birds has announced the return of the critically acclaimed series of theatrical productions based on Kenyan history. The much anticipated sixth edition will take place on the weekend of 4th, 5th and 6th November 2022 with a total of five shows at the Jain Bhavan Auditorium in Loresho.  

The show has sold out multiple editions since its inception in May 2017 by writers and performers Ngartia and Abu Sense, with stunning performances that narrate Kenyan history in an effortlessly memorable display. The sixth edition is the first in the theatre since the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings, following the cancellation of the much-awaited Music Edition (TEFBeats), which was slated for April 2020. Tickets purchased for this past edition will be validated for the upcoming show as well.

To date, they have told stories about iconic figures like Tom Mboya, Wangari Maathai and Timothy Njoya. They have shouted the names of unsung heroes like Field Marshal Muthoni wa Kirima, Otenyo Nyamaterere, Zarina Patel and The Nyayo House Survivors. They have re-examined what Kenyans know about people like Paul Ngei and unearthed crucial truths about William McMillan and Alibhai Mulla Jevanjee, as well as the battles at Lumboka and Chetambe. They also pinned down why the stories of greats like Syokimau and Mekatilili have been eroded in our shared history. Currently, they continue to engage with their ever-growing audience with more stories like these on their Twitter and Patreon pages, offering a deep dive into the most necessary local histories that inform the times we live in.

The upcoming edition will feature a medley of stories written by a team comprised of a team of industry favourites Gathoni Kimuyu, Paushinski, Mercy Mutisya and Joss Ng’ang’a. Stories and research have been compiled by Idil Ahmed, Ngartia and Hellen Masido. The director and actors will be announced soon on their social media pages.

Executive Produced by Story Zetu LTD, this edition is built on the foundation they have laid with the past editions of Too Early For Birds:

• Unsung Heroes – Edition 1:  The  first volume was staged on the 17th of May 2017 and focused on people who never made it to Kenya’s mainstream history. It was produced by Miriam Kadzitu of Code Ink and directed by Wanjiku Mwawuganga.

• Dissent – Edition 2: The second edition ran on the 29th and 30th of July. It focused on Kenyan stories of resistance. It was produced by Miriam Kadzitu of Code Ink and directed by Wanjiku Mwawuganga.

• Badassery – Edition 3:  This edition told stories from the history of violent crime in Nairobi. It was staged on the 13th and 14th of January of 2018. And again on the 19th,  due to public demand. It was produced by Miriam Kadzitu of Code Ink and directed by Wanjiku Mwawuganga. 

• Brazen – Edition 4: The Brazen Edition was executive produced by the LAM Sisterhood and Story Zetu. Brazen was created, researched and written by the LAM Sisterhood, who are Laura Ekumbo, Aleya Kassam and Anne Moraa. It focussed on telling stories of heroic women in Kenyan history, and was staged by a team composed entirely of women – both in cast and crew. It was staged on the 27th, 28th and 29th of July 2018. It was produced by Gathoni Kimuyu and directed by Wanjiku Mwawuganga.

• Tom Mboya Edition – 5: After a long break, the team came together again in October of 2019 at The Visa Oshwal Community Centre with stories from the life and death of Tom Mboya. It is being produced by Gathoni Kimuyu and directed by Mugambi Nthiga. The show was brought back on stage in November of 2019 due to impassioned public demand.

Tickets are Ksh 2,000 in advance and Ksh 2,500 at the door and can be bought here.