Mombasa’s artistic community united for a vibrant seven-day celebration of World Theatre Week, showcasing a rich blend of talent, collaboration, and dialogue about the future of the creative industry.
The event, which ran from March 21 to March 27, brought together poets, musicians, actors, dancers, and visual artists in a dynamic display of the coastal city’s cultural potential.
The festivities began on March 21 at Baraza Media Lab, coinciding with World Poetry Day. Poets captivated audiences with spoken word performances exploring social issues, personal stories, and the power of narrative verse.
As the week unfolded, Alliance Française Mombasa hosted the fourth edition of the Burudani Experience, featuring French jazz and Swahili cultural music with standout performances by legendary artist Shirko – a skilled violinist.
The Little Theatre Club offered a storytelling session, where seasoned and emerging narrators revived fireside traditions, while Jukwaa Arts presented "Art Cocktail," a fusion of music, theatre, visual arts, and dance aimed at entertaining and nurturing talent.
Saka Talanta, an initiative supporting young artists, also provided a platform for emerging creatives to shine.
The week culminated on Thursday, March 27 at the Little Theatre Club with a grand finale uniting all art forms.
Technical University of Mombasa students performing their play at the Little Theatre Club (Photo: Taribo)
Actors, poets, musicians, and dancers delivered breathtaking performances, underscoring Mombasa’s untapped creative spirit.
The highlight was a panel discussion with industry leaders, who explored the growth of theatre and arts in the city, the challenges creatives face, and opportunities for sustainable careers.
One panelist remarked, “If COVID didn’t kill theatre, nothing will,” reflecting the sector’s resilience.
While Nairobi often dominates Kenya’s cultural narrative, events like World Theatre Week reaffirm Mombasa’s unique artistic identity—rooted in Swahili heritage yet boldly contemporary.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: Mombasa County's arts scene is thriving and poised for global recognition.
