Opera & Ballet

‘The Elephant Queen’

‘Elephant Queen’ is a one-act interactive play set in a courtroom and is the trial of Athena, one of the old, matriarch elephants in Tsavo National Park. She is charged with murder.

Athena has killed a young boy in his mother’s shamba at the edge of the village. The case might appear clear cut, but as the witnesses are called forward to testify an intricate story unfolds, illustrating the complex and often tragic conflict, which sadly is not uncommon in areas adjoining National Parks in Africa.

‘Elephant Queen’ is performed by Youth Theatre Kenya and the audience plays the jury. The task of the audience is to decide whether Athena, is guilty of murder or manslaughter, or is she innocent?

‘Elephant Queen’ is a powerful drama, which both engages and informs on the complex reality of human-wildlife conflict in Kenya and promotes discussion on the challenges and solutions.

‘Elephant Queen’ will be staged live by Youth Theatre Kenya at MCC on Thursday 30 September, in the Ballroom 2021 at 6 p.m.

Ballet Night - Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet was performed live at the Kenya National Theatre in February 2020, by dancers from Dance Centre Kenya (DCK). The two title roles were taken by Joel Kioko and Annabel Shaw. Both took their first ballet lessons at DCK with Annabel pursuing her studies with the Northern Ballet Company in UK, while Joel Kioko, a young Kenyan joined DCK on a scholarship, was an instant revelation and who went on to join the English National Ballet. His brilliant talent, unusual background and story inspired the BBC to make two documentaries about Kioko; one on his arrival in London and a sequel taken during the filming of this performance.

The corp de ballet of Dance Centre Kenya led by excellent Prima Ballerinas, make up the rest of the cast and Cooper Rust, Director of DCK, takes over the dramatic cameo role of Lady Capulet herself.

The highly professional production was recorded and made into a DVD.

Romeo & Juliet performed by the dancers of DCK will be screened in October, date to be confirmed.

Opera Night - Anna Bolena

With superstars Anna Netrebko and Elina Garanca, this is a riveting performance. It is based on the latter part of Ann Bolen’s tragic life, at the time when the beautiful, younger Jane Seymour aroused King Henry’s interest, which lead to Bolen’s trial for treason and ultimate execution.

Anna Netrebko was a triumph in her debut as the Tudor queen. Her interpretation of Bolen’s last moments, leading up to the execution, is absolutely spellbinding.

Anna Bolena will be screened on Thursday 21 October, in the Ballroom, at 6pm.