The Good Body plays out perceptions of the female form

With the waning light of the Nairobi sun above casting the strength of its last rays on the rooftop of PAWA 254, I join part of the cast of “The Good Body” rehearsing. Director Mbeki Mwalimu explains that “The Good Body” has been adapted to fit the African context, “the actors are talking about their own personal journeys, the path of acceptance of their own bodies.” Seated on raffia chairs and taking in the scenic view, this is close to being the perfect spot for cramming lines in town. At today’s rehearsals, Muthoni (a.k.a. MDQ), Nick Ndeda radio personality and Mary Mwikali Breakfast Presenter at 101.9 FM have one thing in common - versatility. Bestowed with talents ranging from music, entrepreneurship to radio hosting, the three prove their adeptness at adaptability.

Directed by the gifted Mbeki and featuring the who’s who in the entertainment scene, “The Good Body” is set to bowl over lovers of theatre. The Eve Ensler’s play dives into the conscious and subconscious psyche of the woman. Woman, in the form of her varying roles; lover, mother, sister, friend and her varying states; self-doubt, insecurity, pride and love. The play delves into her view of herself from the eyes of societal expectation and what she has been taught to believe. Through the play, the audience can anticipate to travel the journey of self-reflection, self-awareness and the eventual self-acceptance that the women highlighted travel.

The play contains brilliantly intense monologues and it is for this reason that Mbeki walks through the lines with the actors separately. First up is Muthoni who animatedly takes control of the character’s persona, swept up by the emotion in the words that she has to take a second to catch her breath after the monologue is done.

One thing about the Kenyan adaptation of “The Good Body” is that for the first time, there will be male characters in it. Nick’s passionate soliloquy is a wave of emotion that rises and crashes into a full blown rant and is pacified by a poem that Nick pens himself. Mwikali’s address, underscored by her sultry voice belying the pain behind the story she relates, is undeniably powerful.

Although I have only peeked into a miniscule portion of the play, I can report back that this is an emotive play that promises to destroy the walls in which we enclose ourselves and our bodies, at least in our minds. The play unapologetically voices the thoughts that sprint in the minds of women (and men) of what we look like to others, what we think we look like and the truth of who we are.

The proceeds of “The Good Body” go to Flone Initiative Gender Equality program, a response to the brutal acts of stripping purportedly indecently dressed women in bus terminus. The program works with matatu drivers, touts and motor bike riders to deconstruct societal norms and acquired negative attitudes on women’s freedom.

The celebrated cast also features: Patricia Ithau, Ian Mbugua, June Gachui, Nice Githinji and Brenda Wairimu.

The play begins on Friday 27th at 7:00 pm & Saturday, 28th June at 3:00 pm & 6:00pm at The Michael Joseph Centre (Safaricom House), Waiyaki Way, Westlands. Tickets @1000/=. Advance tickets on sale at only 800 bob till June 26th. MPesa Paybill: Business No: 961700 Account No: 00520 (You’ll find your ticket at the door). Call 0720701359 / 0736330680 for booking

Tickets on sale at Alliance Francaise reception, The Michael Joseph Centre (Safaricom House), Waiyaki Way, Westlands