Echoes of War: Malala Opens Auditions for Controversial Production.
Cleophas Malala, the playwright behind the controversial play Echoes of War, has officially invited Kenyans to audition for various roles in the upcoming production. The auditions will take place from April 22 to May 5, offering a platform for passionate actors to showcase their theatrical abilities.
According to Malala, this opportunity is aimed at individuals who are confident on stage and passionate about acting. Interested participants are encouraged to review the script—available on Malala’s TikTok page—select a character they resonate with, and submit a 30-second video performance.
Once the monologue is recorded, participants are required to post the video on Instagram and TikTok, tagging Malala’s handles. From these entries, a final shortlist will be compiled, and selected individuals will be invited for in-person auditions.
Malala further noted that the play would feature top adult actors from across the nation and would be showcased in a public performance, reaffirming the project’s seriousness despite recent controversies.
The audition announcement follows intense public discourse surrounding the play. Initially intended for performance by Butere Girls, Echoes of War was met with opposition from certain leaders due to its politically sensitive themes, leading to its postponement.
Kiambu County Senator Karungo wa Thiong’o responded to the audition call with enthusiasm. He expressed interest in trying out for a role, joking that he might take the chance to rekindle his high school acting skills by auditioning for the character of Sultan.
The play, set in the fictional Royal Velvet Emirates, explores leadership dynamics through the story of Mustafa, a technologically inclined youth whose innovative ideas challenge the traditional rule of the Sultan. This conflict between modern thinking and authoritarian leadership serves as a metaphor for the generational tensions witnessed in Kenya.
The storyline culminates in a pressing need for reconciliation, as opposing worldviews threaten the very fabric of their society. It was precisely this portrayal of a generational clash—mirroring real-life tensions between Kenyan Gen Z and political leadership—that prompted initial censorship of the play due to its perceived political implications.
Echoes of War: Malala Opens Auditions for Controversial Production.
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