Play Review- AID: or Do Nothing.

Words by By Brianna Roberts

Picture by Kelvin Brown

AID or Do Nothing an original and compelling play written and directed by Robin Denault. It is a new and relevant piece of theatre that speaks to cultural differences, race politics, insecurity and the presence, necessities and flaws with international aid in Kenya.

The play tells the story of Brandt (Denault) a seasoned refugee camp aid worker who is being detained by Kenyan police (played by Samson Psenjen) after he was discovered covered in blood outside the campgrounds. The play then goes on to retrace how he ended up in such a forlorn situation and the friendships, sacrifices and consequences that got him there.

The three-man show starring Maina Olwenya, Samson Psenjen and Robin Denault is engaging and compelling to watch as it continually forces audiences to confront stereotypes that are all to common in Kenya.

The play intentionally but subtly touches on themes and stereotypes including race, racism, prejudice, tribalism and African and Western ideologies. The play effortlessly shows the many sides of all of these themes – without forcing any definite conclusion on the audience. The play also asks us to question what we accept at “normal” or “standard” because of cultural divides.

This is an important show, especially given the time in which it is being produced. Kenya is currently in a transitional period with an up-and-coming generation of young people who are challenging traditional norms and values. Refugee camps are facing closure, insecurity is at it’s peak and fifty years after Independence this country is still flooded with foreign aid agencies. This play cannot be more relevant to our current social climate.

The ensemble work in this production is of tremendous quality. The acting by all performers is honest, brave and truthful. Samson Psenjen does an incredible job of playing a Kenyan police man who on the surface meets all the stereotypes but as the play progresses the audience comes to see the wit and the brains of his character. Maina Olwenya who plays Kenneth the friend and fellow aid worker to Brandt is the catalyst for some of the play’s most thought-provoking themes. He does a beautiful job expressing a truthful young Kenyan point of view at the heart of an international operation. Robin Denault gives an aggressive and powerful performance as Brandt the “mzungu”. While their individual performances are strong it is their chemistry as an ensemble that brings the show to life. The way in which they truthfully create tension, friendship and frustration effortlessly pulls the audience into their conflicted world.

Aid: Or do nothing runs until May 24^th at the Phoenix Players Theatre

 

Brianna Roberts is a Nairobi based actor and artistic director. Before moving permanently to Kenya she graduated from York University’s Theatre School. Brianna has worked professionally with some of Canada’s most noteable theatre companies and has had the privilege to create new theatre works in Canada, The Caribbean, Europe and East Africa. Brianna most recently founded the local theatre company Freakshow Collective.