KISUMU 1 FINDING MY VOICE Raised as a pastor’s child, Junior Oduor struggles under the pressure of his father’s expectations, which stifles his passion for music. Despite his father’s disapproval, Junior remains determined to pursue his dream. He celebrates his newfound artistic voice and freedom, encouraging others to embrace their own paths despite uncertainties. Author(s)/Writer(s): Boaz Otieno & Joech Vincent Cast Joech Vincent as Junior Oduor Boaz Otieno as Manager/Man Giruas Keengwe as Papa Maryanne Amondi Music: Felix Ouma (Felikeys) 2024 2 HANG ME NOW George Ochomo sits by his house, contemplates about his life , what is and what is to come and what led him to this moment. His daughter tries to unshackle herself from the consequences of her past actions while his son makes a decision that affects the lives of each and every one of them, forever. Author(s)/Writer(s): Giruas Keengwe, Steasy Atieno and Phelix Otieno Cast Giruas keengwe as Papa Steasy Atieno as Auma Phelix Otieno as VictorOchomo Music: Felix Ouma (Felikeys) 3 RUNNING In Kenya, running is more than a sport. It is a survival instinct passed down through generations. Set against a backdrop of political unrest and historical pain, a young man reflects on his country's constant state of motion, both physical and emotional. Author(s)/Writer(s): Phill Ibsen. Cast: Narrator: Writefully Ochomo, Police Officer: George Pally, Music:Felikeys 4 THROUGH MY EYES A long lost relationship between a daughter and a daughter is rekindle,when the daughter is faced with the same predicament that befell the father 25 years ago. It's a soul searching experience. Author(s)/Writer(s): Pally George, Mary Anne Amondi Zaffy Cast: Mary Anne Amondi Zaffy, Pally George Music: Felix Ouma

NAKURU 1 CAGED WITHIN A CAGE Caged within a cage is based on a true story. Simply it's a story about an inmate who is sodomized. This story takes us deep into his life after the act and how much it affected him both physically and emotionally. We also see how due to this act he dives into a new prison different from the one within. Text: Zawadi Johnson Mwambia Cast: Depporah Momamnyi / Bramwel Bukaya Music: Brian Ayunga (percussions), Brian Manasseh (guitar), Peter Ng'ang'a 'dogo' (konga drums) 2 A TURBAN ANGLE In a bid to protect himself and the one he loves a young akorino man finds himself conflicted on whether whatever he is about to do resonates with his religion and upbringing.in order to make a sound decision he is forced to explore all situations and outcomes. Text: Martin Ngugi Cast: Paul Kimani Music: Paul Kimani 3 BOYFRIEND ALLOWANCE After suffering heartbreak a young medical student is supposed to take on her end of semester exams. She remembers in regret all the things she allowed herself to go through just to keep her boyfriend. With all the pressure and unfinished business with her lover, she encounters a situation that makes her faint. Why did she faint? Text: Catherine Moraa/Edwin Mutuku Cast: Catherine Moraa/Kelvin Wakuthi 4 LET ME BE A young lady shares her thoughts on choice. She asks the pertinent important questions why society and her parents want to choose what is best for her but they do not ask her. Why she is expected to conform to societal norms like marriage just because the others before her did so. She just wants everyone to let her be. Text: Emily Maina / Brian Kennedy Cast: Emily Maina Music: Emily Maina

EMBU 1 WHISPERS IN THE DARK Lavender is a blind girl and has one sibling who's 10 yrs old.They lost their mother and were left with their father who took up the mantle and responsibilities but later on falls into a comma after being hit by a rock while in the quarry. Lavender is raped while shes out vending for the family.she feels humiliated, taken advantage of her situation. Author(s)/Writer(s): Kiprono Weldon Langat, Yvonne Julia's, Haron Kiprono Chirchir Cast: Lavender - Yvonne Julius Jessie - Haron Chirchir Music: Abel Maroro Recording, editing: Ernest Ogina Arranging, mixing: Rick Kilonzo Mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Abubakar Mwenda and Wandiri Karimi Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 2 WRONG TURN Brayo and Lorez are sitting for their final exam paper full of answered questions his mind moves far away taking him back on this fateful day that changed the course of their lives. Brian collaborated with Lorez in sneaking a few packets of bhang and tobacco which was illegal into the school, with his mind tormenting him for his choices and decisions. Reality shines on his face that all is lost and old life is gone, but still hopes for the best. Author(s)/Writer(s): Brian Njuguna and Reuben Ouma Cast: Brayo -Brian Njuguna Lorez -Reuben Ouma Recording, editing Ernest Ogina Arranging, mixing, mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Abubakar Mwenda and Wandiri Karimi Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 3 LAST SMILE Lilian a student is suspended from school after being found in possession of drugs, she meets up with Collo her boyfriend and is unable to go home. Collo is later arrested and Lilian results to committing suicide . She suspects she might be expectant. What will be her fate if her mother finds out she was chased from school, she may expectant, will she succeed in taking her life? Author(S)/Writer(s) Elijah Otieno Aloo, Lensa Achieng and Shenton Mativo Cast: Lilian -Lensa Achieng Principal -Elijah Otieno Stevo-Shenton Mativo Music: Abel Maroro Recording, editing: Ernest Ogina Arranging, mixing, mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Abubakar Mwenda and Wandiri Karimi Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 4 ECHOES A young man driven by the desire for financial success, falls prey to an online investment scheme suggested by this longtime friend Paul. In his quest for quick riches, he recklessly gambles away his family’s savings, leading to devastating consequences that unravel the very fabric of their lives. As he faces the fallout from his actions, he must find a way to restore his family’s trust and seek redemption before it is too late. Author(s)/Writer(s) Masiaga Joel Muchai David Kamau Dorcas Cast Paul - Muchai David Joel - Masiaga Joel Paul’s friend {shee} Kamau Dorcas Paul’s mother Kamau Dorcas Music David Muchai Wandiri Karimi Recording, editing: Ernest Ogina Arranging, mixing, mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Abubakar Mwenda and Wandiri Karimi Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024

KIAMBU SILENT SORROWS Two years after her brother's death, MW feels his presence lingering in her life. Memories of him resurface, filling her with fear and unease. Once-familiar places now seem haunting, and she is overwhelmed by a profound sadness. Despite her efforts to move forward, the pain remains a constant and heavy burden. Written & narrated by: MW Directed by: Hiram T. Kimotho Music: Larry the Guitarist and Mungai Music Recording, editing: Kenmusic Arranging, mixing, mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Lucy Wache and Tash Mitambo Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 WOUNDED HEART This story follows a man whose childhood was marked by rejection and a series of traumatic events. As he grew up, he grappled with bitterness and anger, yet these struggles did not strip him of his humanity. After a pivotal moment of being kicked out of his home, he resolves to forge his own path, navigating the complexities of life on his own terms Written & narrated by: Man P Directed by: Judy Mwaura Music: Larry the Guitarist and Mungai Music Recording, editing: Kenmusic Arranging, mixing, mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Lucy Wache and Tash Mitambo Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 BENEVOLENT BULLY Benevolent Bully follows a boy who was once a bully in primary school. When he enters high school, he encounters a bigger bully who turns the tables on him. After forming an unexpected friendship with his former tormentor, he becomes a bully again, but this time, he bullies those who bully others. Written & narrated by: Ndiang’ui Muya Directed by: John Mwangi Music: Larry the Guitarist and Mungai Music Recording, editing: Kenmusic Arranging, mixing, mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Lucy Wache and Tash Mitambo Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 TRAPPED IN A NIGHTMARE A young woman's world is shattered when a trusted mentor turns into a terrifying predator. Twice, she falls victim to his sexual assaults, leaving her shaken and traumatized. The second attack, a particularly harrowing ordeal, forces her to confront her fear and fight back. Haunted by the memory of these horrific events, she struggles to regain her sense of safety and trust. Written & narrated by: Karry Kim Directed by: John Mwaura Music: Larry the Guitarist and Mungai Music Recording, editing: Kenmusic Arranging, mixing: Rick Kilonzo Mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Lucy Wache and Tash Mitambo Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024

UASIN GISHU I REST MY CASE In a courtroom against all odds a girl takes a stand to speak out on emotional scars left by her father. Despite having all material needs provided by her father the absence of peace and love has left a deep void in her heart. She contrasts the nature of material wealth with the emotional suffering caused by her father’s abuse and her mother’s pain. As she rests her case she expresses a longing for true love, one that offers safety and compassion rather than the love that provides all worldly material spiced with constant terror. Text: Rodgers Liambira Cast: Esther Olang Recording, editing: Rick Kilonzo Arranging, mixing: Rick Kilonzo Mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Mark Wabwire / Jeritah Mwake Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 WOUND IN MY SCAR Violence, Culture and hate pushes a girl to her deathbed as she faces almost a near death encounter. After the death of her father a girl is forced to live with the uncle due to Wife Inheritance requirements in their culture. The Abuse she and her mother receive is too much to the point that she seeks to find love, attention and care in the wrong hands. Text: Michael Imboywa Cast: Immaculate Jepkosgei Recording, editing: Rick Kilonzo Arranging, mixing: Rick Kilonzo Mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Mark Wabwire / Jeritah Mwake Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 MY THREE NAMES Born in an African setting where your name is your identity and destiny Abdul Kiprop Olemegiri finds himself in an identity crisis by the fact that he bears three surnames from three ethnicities. Each name carries its own story, its perks and its burdens. Every passing day he has to walk thin lines to avoid unnecessary conflicts. In this piece Abdul Kiprop Olemengiri shares with the world the origin of each of his names and the struggles to find his true identity as a person and not be judged by what others called him. Text: Deberias Momanyi Cast: Ismael Kemboi Megiri Recording, editing: Rick Kilonzo Arranging, mixing: Rick Kilonzo Mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Mark Wabwire / Jeritah Mwake Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 THE COST OF DREAMS Njoroge, a brilliant young man, is given the chance to study abroad, offering hope to his poor family. They sacrifice everything to fund his education, but political turmoil derails his plans, and he returns home empty-handed. Blamed for their sacrifices in vain, Njoroge’s family turns against him, rejecting and punishing him and his siblings. Isolated and guilt-ridden, he struggles with the burden of their resentment, questioning whether reconciliation is possible or if the scars of broken dreams will last forever. Text: David Mburu Cast: David Mburu Music: Frankline Barasa Recording, editing: Rick Kilonzo Arranging, mixing: Rick Kilonzo Mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Mark Wabwire Jeritah Mwake Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024

Mombasa QUEER LIFE This is a deeply personal account of my journey as a queer individual. It explores the challenges I have faced because of my sexuality and the resilience I've cultivated in the face of adversity. Ultimately, it’s a story of self-acceptance and the commitment to living authentically, despite the obstacles. Written & narrated by: Beryl Achieng Directed by: Collins Mangicho Music: Jonyo Junior and Ogutu Wasonga Recording, editing: Kenmusic Arranging, mixing, mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Lucy Wache and Tash Mitambo Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 UNLOVED BY LOVE Unloved by Love follows a young girl who survives five lightning strikes and emerges from the morgue after being presumed dead for three months. Guided by visions and mystical encounters, she navigates supernatural and emotional challenges while grappling with abandonment and despair. Rejected by her parents and facing isolation, she clings to the hope that love can restore her broken relationships and heal her life. At its core, the story explores the tension between trauma, resilience, and the enduring search for redemption through love. Written & narrated by: L.B Oxygen Directed by: Michael Nabwana Music: Jonyo Junior and Ogutu Wasonga Recording, editing: Kenmusic Arranging, mixing: Rick Kilonzo Mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Lucy Wache and Tash Mitambo Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 IRREVERSIBLE "Irreversible" follows Esha, a young woman torn between her love for a man from a rival family and her mother's expectations. After learning she's pregnant, Esha faces the immediate fallout: losing a job opportunity in Qatar and receiving harsh pressure from her mother to terminate the pregnancy. The abortion leaves Esha shattered, feeling isolated and burdened by regret. Ultimately, Esha seeks to reclaim control over her life and decisions, aspiring to build a loving family and advocate for those who share her experience. Written & narrated by: Esha Directed by: Aisha Hemed Extras: Aisha Hemed Music: Jonyo Junior and Ogutu Wasonga Recording, editing: Kenmusic Arranging, mixing: Rick Kilonzo Mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Lucy Wache and Tash Mitambo Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024 AM I ON THE RIGHT PATH „Am I on the Right Path“ follows the journey of a young man who’s spent his life on autopilot, guided by others yet left without the tools to face life's harsh realities. Born into a large family but often left to his own devices, he grows up with the strength to survive yet without a true sense of direction. After countless rejections and dreams slipping away, he stumbles back into an old passion—acting—where he finds solace in becoming someone else. As he navigates life’s stage, he begins to ask himself if he's finally on the right path, or if he's still searching for his true role in the world. This is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the winding road to purpose. Written & narrated by: Anthony Ngala Directed by: Aisha Halako Extras: Collins Mangicho, Aisha Halako, Vanessa Blessing Music: Jonyo Junior and Ogutu Wasonga Recording, editing: Kenmusic Arranging, mixing: Rick Kilonzo Mastering: Martin Schütz Coaches: Lucy Wache and Tash Mitambo Mentor: Erik Altorfer Producer: Kenya International Theatre Festival Supported by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia Johannesburg 2024