'I Will Marry When I Want' Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's Controversial Play Returns to Theater after 32 years

Article by Maureen Kasuku

Thu. 5th May, 2022 at 9:20AM

I Will Marry When I Want (Ngaahika Ndeenda) is a Gikuyu play co-written by Ngũgĩ wa Mirii and celebrated author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o. First showcased in Kenya in 1977, it was banned by the state after a few weeks in what was widely believed to be censoring of criticism of the government's handling of post-colonial struggles. The production of the play led to the arrests and detention of Mirii and Thiong'o without charges that same year. The writers were released in 1978 and fled into exile shortly after.
The play depicts a peasant farmer who is duped into risking his land due to social and religious influences. The overarching themes are social commentaries on the hypocrisy and corruption of religion and capitalism in post-colonial Kenya. Ngaahika Ndeenda was again banned in 1990 by the Moi regime.
Now, after 32 years, the play makes a victorious return to the stage and is expected to awe generations of history enthusiasts. Brought to you by the award-winning director and producers of Sarafina, Grease and Jesus Christ Superstar and starring some of Kenya's best-known actors, including Martin Githinji, Angel Waruinge, Nice Githinji and Annestella, Ngaahika Neenda/ I'll Marry When I Want is set to be staged by Nairobi Performing Arts Studio, in both Kikuyu and English from May 12 to May 29 at the Kenya National Theatre. Get your tickets from KenyaBuzz HERE

*Featured Image: Daniel A Anderson

About The Author

Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life