A Weekend of Magic, Art, and Shakespearean Splendor!
I am beyond honoured and deeply grateful to have been part of Dance Centre Kenya’s breathtaking production of Romeo & Juliet—a ballet that wove together love, destiny, and tragedy into an unforgettable masterpiece at the Kenya National Theatre this Valentine’s weekend.
Portraying Lord Montague in this timeless Shakespearean classic was an experience I will treasure. For the first time ever, Kenya witnessed the full-length ballet adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, a feat that brought together exquisite choreography, enchanting music, and an entirely new realm of sets and costumes that breathed life into this tragic tale in the most magical way. Mercifully for the audience, I didn’t have to dance, and the most eventful part of my acting appearance was the sword duel with Lord Capulet (Gerald Osmond). I took full advantage of that and enjoyed every bit of being in a "scrap" without repercussions.
From the soaring lifts to the delicate pointe work, every movement, every note, and every emotion painted a portrait of passion and heartache, captivating audiences night after night. It was a privilege to share the stage with an immensely talented cast, including the phenomenal Keri Yamane (Brussels International Ballet) and the brilliant Eugene Ochieng (University of North Carolina School for the Arts), whose artistry and dedication elevated this performance to extraordinary heights.
A heartfelt thank you to Dance Centre Kenya, the visionary Cooper Rust, and the entire creative team, whose passion and commitment turned this production into a historic moment for the Kenyan ballet scene. Not forgetting Joy Gitonga, the high achiever, and little niece, for the hookup. From the elaborate costumes to the mesmerising storytelling through dance, this was more than a performance—it was an experience, a dream, a love letter to the arts.
And need I say, 95% of the participants were children. Yet the professionalism and discipline were that of a high-end commercial company. That level of dedication was not mediocre, nor was it passable. It was crisp, pristine, and exemplary. From what I experienced, I believe Kenya's future in the art form of ballet is firm and secure if these young performers reach their full potential and then pass it on to the next generations to come. I also hope we can do some local renditions of homegrown classics like Song of Lawino, Aminata, The Black Hermit, Nairobi Heat, Ngaahika Ndeenda, The Trial of Dedan Kimathi, Too Early for Birds, and so on. Maybe even a novel adaptation like "My Life In Crime" by John Kiriamiti. Wouldn't that be exciting?
To all who attended, supported, and became part of this history—you made it even more special. Seeing the audience immersed in the raw beauty of ballet, feeling the pulse of Shakespeare’s words transformed into movement, was truly exhilarating.
Here’s to more artistic collaborations, pushing creative boundaries, and celebrating the timeless magic of the performing arts. May the stage continue to be a canvas for storytelling, passion, and unbridled artistry.
?? For more extraordinary productions, visit: Dance Centre Kenya
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