DANCE TRANSMISSION FESTIVAL

22ND-28TH NOVEMBER 2010 AT NATIONAL THEATRE
ENTRANCE:5000#.COME AND HAVE FUN

LATIN FLAVOUR NIGHT

SALSA,BACHATA,ZOUK,MERENGUE,SAMBA,CHA-CHA,RUMBA,JIVA,DUBBED "YOUR TIME TO DANCE
WEDNESDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2010
VENUE:NATIONAL THEATRE
DOORS OPEN:6:30PM
ENTRANCE FEE:5000#
"LATIN FLAVOUR NIGHT IS EVERY LAST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH"

EVOLV CREATIONS PRESENTS

WILL HE RETURN!!!!
AN AFRICAN DRAMA ABOUT LOVE AND BETRAYAL
VENUE:NATIONAL THEATRE
DATE: 17,18,19,31,JAN 1,2
FEE:15,000# ORDINARY AND 30.000 VIP
FOR MORE DETAILS CALL:0714213607/0702594692

LUMINOUS SORRELS

IN A YOSSA G,HONS B.a ECONOMICS (MUK)ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH "IMMORTAL WHISPERS" TIME IS HASTE OF MAN:THE LIMIT HE IMPOSES UPON HIMSELF IN A ACCOMPLISHMENT OF LIFE.HE WHO WISHES TO LIVE FREELY SHOULD FIRST FREE HIMSELF OF TIME" ODONGKARA FRANK.
VENUE:NATIONAL THEATRE(AUDITORIUM)
DATE:SAT 20TH NOV.2010
TIME:3:30PM
ENTRANCE:FREE!!!!!

KAMPALA AMATEUR DREMATICS SOCIETY

PRESENTS A MAGICAL MUSICAL FAMILY PANTOMIME "SHREKERELLA" ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE LAND OF FAR FAR AWAY SHREK MET CINDERELLA.........PRODUCED BY MARY KENNY,WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY SYBILLE SCHMIDT,MUSICAL DIRECTORS JULIA DAWNING AND WILL HINES.
LOCATION AND TCKETS
NATIONAL THEATRE,
0414-254567
TICKETS AT THE BOX OFFICE
SHOWS AND PRICES
WED 8TH DEC 2010,7:30PM
ADULTS:8,000Ush
CHILDREN:5,000Ush
THUR 9TH DEC 2010,7:30PM
FRI 10TH DEC 2010,7:30PM
ADULTS:15,000Ush
CHILDREN:10,000Ush
SAT 11TH DEC 2010,7:30PM
ADULTS:12,000Ush
CHILDREN:8,000Ush

AFRI-PLUS FILMS

PRESENTS THE UGANDAN RED CARPET PREMIER FROM AWARD WINNING DIRECTOR SVFF 2010,TONNY KATABULA,PAUL MBOGO AND OTHERS IN "NAFULA" WILL BE SHOWING AT NATIONAL THEATRE ON 12TH NOVEMBER."DEDICATED TO AFRICANS WHOSE RIGHTS ARE ABUSED ON GROUNDS OF CULTURE" BY ALVIN KASULE.
ENTRANCE;10,000shs
VIP BY INVITE.

JAM SESSION FEAT THIS IS UGANDA 2010

A TALENT SHOW AT NATIONAL THEATRE EVERY MONDAY FROM 1ST 6TH DECEMBER,REGISTER NOW AT NATIONAL THEATRE OR IGUANA BAR,BRING RECORDINGS.COME MEET YOUR FAVOURITE MUSICIANS AND JAM FROM 7PM TILL DAWN."TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY"

AMAKULA KAMPALA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2010

AT NATIONAL THEATRE THIS OCTOBER 29 TO 6TH NOV.

THE BONFIRE NITE

AT NATIONAL THEATRE EVERY WEDNESDAY 8:00PM TO 10:00PM
FREE ENTRY,A CELEBRATION OF POETRY,MUSIC NARRATIVES,LIVE PAINTING,STORY TELLING AND MANY MORE COME AND HAVE FUN WIT U'RE ARTISTS

MEMORIES OF CHILD SOLDIERS

THE WELL KNOWN CHOREOGRAPHY BY VALERIE MIQUEL,BROADCASTED BY CNN,FRENCH GERMANY TV ARTE,PERFORMED FOR THE PRESIDENT OF GERMANY,AS WELL AS HIS DELEGATION AND THE GOVERNMENT OF UGANDA.TOURED IN EUROPE AND EAST AFRICA.
SHOWING WEDNESDAY 20 OCT 2010 AT 1:00PM.AT NATIONAL THEATRE
ENTRANCE IS 10000USH/STUDENTS,ARTISTS 5000USH

"FILM CHART"

FILM LAB IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL THEATRE AND MAISHA FILM LAB PRESENTS "FILM CHART" ABOUT GUERILLA FILM MAKING BY DONALD MUGISHA ON 26TH OCT 2010,ENTRANCE IS FREE ANDSTARTS AT 2:00PM TO 6:30PM.TO BE PART OF THIS WORKSHOP PLEASE REGISTER WITH FILM LAB ON 0714642770.

JAM SESSION

RELOADED TODAY AT NATIONAL THEATRE ON DE DANCE FLOOR,COME AND JAM WITH U'RE FAVORITE MUSICIANS AS THEY DO THERE "THING" AND ENJOY SIZZLING MUSIC TILL DAWN ENTRANCE IS FREE

JAM SESSION

RELOADED TODAY AT NATIONAL THEATRE ON DE DANCE FLOOR,COME AND JAM WITH U'RE FAVORITE MUSICIANS AS THEY DO THERE "THING" AND ENJOY SIZZLING MUSIC TILL DAWN ENTRANCE IS FREE

M.J NITE!!!!!!

Uganda's finest dance steps competition season one at National Theatre Auditorium this Friday 24th sept 2010.The show starts at 7.00pm,entrance fee 10000#.It's the Micheal Jackson nite come and witness which group goes out!!! As they battle it out on M.J's songs.It will be survival for the fittest.

UGANDA NATIONAL CONTEMPORARY BALLET

Celebrates 3 years "THE BEST OF U N B" at National Theatre this Friday 24th sept 2010 and Saturday 25th 2010.The Show Begins at 7:OO PM.come and meet John Nagenda the Patron,dancers like Patrick Kaddu,Mike Kaddu,Nassif Wangoba and others.
Entrance fee is 10000#,Tickets available at Booking office.For more information visit them on facebook under "Uganda Contemporary Ballet".

BAYIMBA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND ARTS

The successful first edition encouraged Bayimba Cultural Foundation to organise this Festival on an annual basis. The Foundation is happy to announce the third edition of the Festival that is scheduled for September 17 - 19, 2010 at the easily accessible Uganda National Cultural Centre (National Theatre parking lot) in Kampala city centre. As the Foundation seeks to reach out to segments of the population that otherwise would have no access to such events, there will be no entrance fee. As a result, an audience of 5,000 people is expected on a daily basis.

WEEKEND PROGRAMME

National Theatre presents to you a Dance Production “Boda Boda” by Stuart Lynch. Stuart is also a choreographer, performer and visual artist who is currently a Director of the Paradance Theatre, Copenhagen.

Featuring:
Michael Ouma (music) UGANDA
Amia Miang (voice/dance) DENMARK
Samuel Prince Ibanda (voice/dance) UGANDA

Friday 27th & Saturday 28th August

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Entrance: Just buy a drink for your self

BODA BODA is a collaboration between Danish and Ugandan artists created in six days between the 23 and 28 of August 2010. After the Ugandan premiere the project will tour to Denmark for September 2010 and be a part of the Danish
International Arts festival.

This project is funded and supported by the DCCD (Danish Centre for Cultural Development) and made in collaboration with the Uganda National Culture Centre - NATIONAL THEATRE UGANDA.

LATINO FLAVOUR

NATIONAL THEATRE PRESENT LATINO FLAVOR ON 25TH AUGUST IN THE AUDITORIUM,ENTRANCE IS 5000# AND THE SHOW BEGINS AT 7:00PM,COME WITH A FRIEND AND WITNESS THE NEW DANCE MOVES!!! WAITING 4 U GUYZ!!

CONGS!!!!!!!

WE THANK ALL THOSE WHO TURNED UP FOR THE NATIONAL THEATRE AUDITION CALL FOR COOKING OIL AND SEND OUR SINCERE GRATITUDE TO ALL WHO MANAGED TO GO THROUGH TO THE NEXT ROUND,REHEARSALS STILL ON UP TO AUGUST 23,2010,FURTHER INQUIRIES WHILE IN UGANDA CALL 0752841567.

JAM SESSION

COME MEET YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS AT NATIONAL THEATRE TODAY AND INTERACT WITH THEM AT NO COST.THE SHOW BEGINS AT 8:00PM,COME WITH A FRIEND AND JAM TILL DAWN.

NATIONAL THEATRE: AUDITION CALL: COOKING OIL

AUDITION CALL: COOKING OIL
A play written by Asiimwe Deborah, Directed by Emily Mendelsohn
PLAY SUMMARY:
Cooking Oil, a new play by Deborah Asiimwe, tells the story of a teenage girl murdered while selling her village's food aid to raise money for her school fees. Using song, dance and storytelling, the play asks the questions - is it ever alright to take something that is not yours? Is it ever alright to judge difficult choices that one is not forced to make? This production is a collaboration between Ugandan and American artists and will be showing at National Theatre, Kampala from October 8, 2010.

Further Inquiries:
www.cookingoilplay.com or for inquiries while in Uganda, call 0752 841 567

AUDITIONS:
- We are looking for 12 actors and actresses, aged between 15 years and 60 years, with abilities to sing and act.
- Open Auditions will be held at the National Theatre, Kampala on Saturday 14 August, 10:00am to 3:00pm and Rehearsals will run from August 23, 2010.
- Interested? Please come for auditions prepared to sing a song.

We are looking for actors and actresses for the following roles:
MARIA – Spirit. 18 years old, Intelligent, beautiful, looks much younger than her age. Hawks gallons of Cooking Oil and also smuggles it across the boarders of her country. Her ambition-to attain university education.

HON. DR. SIR SILVER BIBALA – Politician. Mid 40s. Eloquent, handsome, loyal to his friends. His ambition is to build a strong political career, never to allow poverty into his household ever again, dreams of one day becoming the president of his country.

KAFUKO – Silver’s nephew, his right hand man. Early 30s. He is the brain behind Silver’s political career. Shrewd. He does what he can to get what he wants. He does as he is told without questioning especially if he knows that there is something for him. His motto is “eat while your mouth can chew!”

BATAKA – A peasant. Mid 40s. Silver’s childhood friend, Maria’s father. He lost his property during the war and became very poor. However, with Silver’s help, the economic condition of his household has slightly improved. He looks much older than his age. His ambition is to educate his sons (Maria’s brothers) and find a day’s meal for his family. He runs a retail shop in the nearby trading centre. He becomes a haunted man.

NEEZA – Housewife. Late thirty’s. Maria’s mother and Bataka’s wife. Beautiful but tired. She is a traditional woman who tries to keep out of her husband’s way. Her ambition is to kick poverty out of their household and see Maria back in school.

NDEEBA – Fresh graduate social worker. Mid 20s. Turns activist. Nurses political ambitions. Upfront, idealistic. Her ambition is to turn her country into a corruption free society. Can she succeed?

VOICES (6) – Of the crowd, of journalists; echoes of the characters’ dreams, males and females. Performers who can play drums or other musical instrument preferred.
Asiimwe Deborah
Currently working as Specialist for Sundance East Africa, Deborah Asiimwe is a playwright and performer from Uganda. Forgotten World, Cooking Oil, Appointment with gOD and Untitled received readings and workshops in the United States of America. Lagoma is Searching, You are that Man, and My Secret were produced at the Uganda National Cultural Centre/National Theatre. Asiimwe has participated in many artists’ gatherings and conferences, including, the annual Arts in the One World Conference (CalArts, Valencia, California), a project of More Life Initiative: Genocide and Cultural Studies, a collaboration between CalArts and the Interdisciplinary Genocide Study Center in Kigali, Rwanda; Eti! East Africa Speaks at Dartmouth College (2008); the Women Playwrights International Conference in the Philippines (2003); and is the 2003 Sundance Theatre Lab international observer. Asiimwe received her MFA in Writing for Performance from California Institute of the Arts. She is the overall winner of the BBC African playwriting competition

Emily Mendelsohn is an LA based director. She has traveled to Rwanda and Uganda for the past three summers as part of the More Life Initiative, a conversational community exploring ways art can respond to violence. Emily teaches arts and civics at Vassar College’s Powerhouse Theater Program. She received her MFA in directing at California Institute of the Arts and she will be spending the year in Kampala on a directing Fulbright Fellowship.

Mafuta's "NYWERA" album Launch

Mafuta a youth group is launching its "Nywera" album this Saturday the 31st of July 2010 at National Theatre in the main Auditorium. 

Time:   5:00 p.m.

Fee:    VIP 30,000/=
           Ordinary 10,000/=

SOUND AS A MEANS TO ENGAGE

SOUND AS A MEANS TO ENGAGE

Audio media, ICTs and oral history

8^th July 2010, 10-5 National Theatre/Kampala –CICP, 2-6p.m

A one-day interactive introduction to the tools and concepts of “slow broadcasting” online archiving and audio correspondence as based on creative commons (cc.) share-alike license distribution   

with Claudia Wegener (alias, radio continental drift)

For artists, collectives and organizations around UNCC; the session is also meant as a collective consultancy & ‘strategic’ idea exchange between the organizations involved; how by using above tools links and collective productions between those organizations can be furthered and thus common goals pushed even harder and more effectively.

including various ways of recording, uploading & capturing audio, clipping, editing, mixing as story telling, uploading online, creating on-line audio archives, setting up a blog and linking audio files to it, creating on-line platforms etc.

please bring pen & paper, your mobile phone (especially if it can record audio!) and other voice recording equipment you might have (including mics and headphones); if you have a laptop and its no trouble bringing it, please do.

resources: an interactive audio application, the publication of the NO-GO-ZONES project called “influence100”, and a sound-file telling the story of the DURBAN SINGS audio media and oral history project “the rough radio mix” are on the desktop of the computer in the UNCC resource centre. This is a free learning session and it’s open to all interested individuals.

further suggested listening

* 2010 (March), 100.3 MHz Laehradio in Helsinki Silakka Radio Show: Africa! dj shinji kanki presents selected tracks from the on-line archive of radio continental drift http://silakkaradio.fi/sound-art/march-7-2010-africa/

* 2009 (July) http://durbansings.wordpress.com/2009/07/18/durban-sings-pre-release/

switch board: http://www.radiocontinentaldrift.wordpress.com

on-line sampler: http://www.archive.org/details/RadioContinentalDrift

project blog/ archive: http://www.nogozones.wordpress.com

project blog/ archive: http://www.durbansings.wordpress.com

radio continental drift

a broadcasting house in the bag of a drifter out to here unheard voices

a branch of the growing networks of sound workers,

audio artists, radio communities, and the street corner academies of listening and broadcasting

around the world

radio is happening

when people loiter in public places

the air is free!

radio continental drift (claudia wegener) http://www.radiocontinentaldrift.wordpress.com

a travelling sound and media artist organising collective radio projects (such as the No-Go-Zones audio radio project in South London; collaboratively with Terry Humphrey, funded by Arts Council England, TrAIN, and Southwark Council; http://www.nogozones.wordpress.com); Associate member of Transnational Arts Identity and Nation Research Centre (TrAIN) at University of the Arts London http://www.camberwell.arts.ac.uk/39575.htm; most recently, a Visiting Scholar at the Centre for Civil Society at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) http://www.ukzn.ac.za/ccs/default.asp?10,66,19,104; organising and facilitating the DURBAN SINGS audio media and oral history project www.durbansings.wordpress.com collaboratively with Molefi Mafereka Ndlovu, funded by Rosa Luxemburg Foundation; recent work includes LONG WALK, a radio play commissioned by Studio for Acoustic Arts WDR3 Cologne (broadcast October 2009) http://www.wdr3.de/open-studio-akustische-kunst/details/artikel/long-walk.html; and a contribution to sound art magazine www.vibrofiles.com for vibrö No.5; "The Plastic People Issue", released by Double Entendre June 2009.

Reinventing the Golden Era of Ugandan Theatre

Muduuma Kwe Kwaffe to Premiere at the National Theatre this Saturday 

There a time was when indigenous plays were a favourite in theatre halls, and when school drama festivals were vibrant. This golden age of Ugandan theatre was orchestrated by distinct literary figures among others Robert Serumaga, Rose Mbowa, Byron Kawadwa and Wycliffe Kiyingi in the 60s to late 70s.

These dramatists became famous for powerfully constructed topical plays that provided rich entertainment as well as biting social satire so much the Kiyingi's hugely radio series, Wokulira, which began in 1962 were later banned by Idi Amin while Kawadwa was murdered because of his highly critical play, Oluyimba Lwa Wankoko.

The annual inter-school festivals were so competitive that only the best of the best earned the honour of performing for a packed house at the National Theatre in Kampala. Kings College, Budo, set the pace in this regard with Shakespeare productions that actually inspired Kiyingi to establish the first all-African theatrical group, African Artists Association, in 1954 purposely to promote native drama.

Kiyingi's television series Buli Enkya, Buli Ekiro (1962), Gwosussa Emwanyi (1963) got multitudes hooked. In 1965, Kiyingi went to Bristol to study drama and on returning a year later continued doing what he loved most –writing and producing stage, radio and television dramas of enviable quality. His 1972 play, Lozio ba Cecilia, became a literature set book while Muduuma Kwe Kwaffe (1972) established him as playwright of indisputable distinction.

Golden Artist
It's for his tremendous contribution to the theatre industry that Kiyingi has been acclaimed by critics as "the encyclopedia of drama" and "the moving spirit behind modern theatre in Uganda." And during celebrations to mark 50 years of the existence of the Uganda National Theatre earlier this year, the 80-year old Kiyingi was crowned as "Golden Artist" and his book, Muduuma kwe Kwaffe officially launched.

The play which is a hilarious exposé of the economic exploitation Ugandans endured under Asians and the seeming inability of Ugandans to take charge of their political, social and economic affairs will starting July 3, 2010 be showing at the National Theatre as a step forward in reviving the theatrical glory that was as well as inspiring schools to resurrect school festivals.

"We want to set the trend of quality for the theatre industry in Uganda," says National Theatre Production Manager, Sam Okello. "It's a powerful production and we have heavily invested in as a way of setting the standard and provoking other theatre practitioners to promote our own plays and bring back the golden era of Ugandan theatre."

Directed by Kaya Kagimu Mukasa and featuring some of the finest performers in the land –Patriko Mujuuka Sophie Matovu, Sam Okello, Sophie Matovu, Edwin Mulazi, Agnes Nakakawa and even the National Theatre Artistic Director Mr. Joseph Walugembe, Muduuma Kwe Kwaffe will after the July 3^rd premiere continue to show twice every Saturday and Sunday at the Theatre until August 3, 2010.

Tickets are already on sale at the National Theatre Box Office for 10,000 Shillings.

Latino Flavour

The intoxicating Latin Flavour is back in the National Theatre main auditorium. We are talking the classic Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Salsa, Mirenge, Cha-Cha, Jive, and Bachata on the same stage all evening! Sensual dancing at its best. If you love the BBC Entertainment's Strictly Come Dancing, you will certainly fall for this, and what's more, it's better by all acoounts! Come and get hypnotized for only 5,000 shillings this Wednesday, June 30th, at 5p.m., and every last Wednesday of the month.

URGENT: BBC Searching for Actors in Uganda!!

Hardly a week after three Ugandan playwrights scooped the 2010 BBC African Performance Playwriting Competition, the BBC production team is already in Kampala looking for actors to feature in these award-winning radio plays. There are eleven roles in all: 

• Seven male (all ages)
• Four female (three of them 20s, one any age.) 

Actors will be paid a daily rate between 300,000 and 700,000 Ugandan shillings depending on experience. The auditions will take place here at the National Theatre tomorrow Saturday 26th June 2010, 10 a.m.-12 noon. This is a grand opportunity; if you don't grab it don't say you didn't know!!

..................................................

In a story titled "A Chance to Reap from Uganda's Literary Heroics as BBC Arrives," Daily Monitor's Tabu Butagira reports of BBC's optimism to find great Ugandan actors. The story in full below:

A BBC director and producer will tomorrow be at the National Theatre in Kampala, auditioning and producing plays written by award-winning Ugandans.

On Monday, Nobel Laureate in Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka, picked Ms Deborah Asiimwe, author of Will Smith Look Alike, as the best at the 50th edition of the British public broadcaster's African Performance Play Writing Competition.

Hers is a story of 17-year-old Tereka, travelling to New York with his school music group after they won a national competition, setting eyes to pursue a better life overseas due to his semblance to American actor, Will Smith.

Mr Kenneth Atwine and last year's winner Julia Childs tied in second position having authored Kitu Kidogo and The Coffin Factory, respectively.

Ms Angella Emurwon came third with The Cow Needs A Wife, offering Ugandans the first sweeping chance to topple Nigerians who dominated the awards in the past half century.

The plays; Kitu Kidogo and The Cow Needs a Wife require to be cast in authentic Ugandan sound since they are set in the country, according to the producers.

"But even more important, we want to tap into local talent and are confident we will find great Ugandan actors," said BBC World Service Drama Director Catherine Fellows.

Announcing the prizes on Monday, the broadcaster said Uganda's impressive performance in this year's competition suggests a "flowering of literary talent” in the country."

Acclaimed creative writer, Prof. Soyinka, while picking the winners, said: "I don't know whether Ugandans think they want to knock Nigerians out of this competition because Nigerians used to take everything but this year, no show."

The broadcaster's Drama Producer Jenny Horrocks said this year's winning entries are "relevant to contemporary life and highly entertaining."

Director Fellows and Technical Producer Neva Missirian will drive tomorrow's midday event at the National Theatre, Ms Mary Lusiba, BBC's head of marketing and communications in Africa, announced in Nairobi yesterday.

"The BBC team will be looking out for talent with experience in radio, stage, TV or film," she said in a statement. Audiences across the world will have the opportunity to listen to the plays on BBC World Service from August 5 to September 9.

The broadcaster launched the playwriting competition, in which listeners are invited to compose a 30-minute English-language play containing no more than six characters, in 1971. And the winning entries are recorded and broadcast on BBC World Service for Africa.

That premiere competition in 1971 was judged by Prof. Soyinka, who as a way of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the BBC African Performance season, returned to judge this year's competition.

BREAKING NEWS: Ugandans Scoop All the Prizes in the 2010 BBC Playwriting Competition!!!

We are on top of the literary world after three Ugandan playwrights won the 2010 BBC African Performance Playwriting competition!

Deborah Asiimwe (in picture) took the top prize that comes with a financial reward of 1000 pounds for her play Will Smith Look Alike. The play which will be broadcast on BBC is about a student who travels to the United States with his school music group after they won a national competition, and believes that his resemblance to the American actor Will Smith will help him to pursue a better life there.

The second position was jointly snatched by Keneth Bashir Atwiine for Kitu Kidogo, a story about two corrupt policemen, and Julia Child's The Coffin Factory a hilarious play that addresses the stigma of HIV.

Angella Emurwon's The Cow Needs A Wife came third. It's a comical piece about a young man whose girlfriend discovers she is pregnant.

To scoop all the three top positions is a seismic achievement for Uganda considering that it knocked down Nigeria from the literary pedestal it had long enjoyed.

Prof. Wole Soyinka, who judged this year's competition commented: "I don't know whether Ugandans think they want to knock Nigerians out of this competition because Nigerians used to take everything but this year, no show. I am glad of course I didn't know who on earth was writing which play."

The Nobel laureate added, "Deborah Asiimwe's writing was very good, and I became really caught up with the play wondering what the final denouement would be. It was convincing."

An excited Asiimwe, told me about the day BCC called to say she was the overall winner of the prestigious competition:

"May 10th 2010, about 11:00 am, I am at my desk in the Sundance Institute Office, located on Varick Street, Lower Manhattan , New York . My phone vibrates, it does not show the number and being me, I refuse to pick it up, hoping that someone would leave a message and I would call them back! It stops vibrating, no message comes through. Five minutes later, the phone vibrates again, still no number, again, I refuse to pick it up and again no message left. An hour later, the phone vibrates again! This time, I start thinking the worst. "It must be from home! This must be bad news!..Oh God, I hope not...oh my God...my mother just went through an eye operation...Oh my God...please let this not be bad news... "Pick it up!" As if some other voice is speaking through me. I pick up.   "Hello, this is Asiimwe! "From the other side comes a strong British accent; "Deborah?"

"Yes, this is she." And I am thinking, no one in my family speaks with such a strong British accent! Now what is this?

"My name is Vera..." the voice says, "....and I am calling from the BBC."

I hesitate. Why would the BBC be calling me? As my thoughts are still racing, Vera interrupts me. "Do you have any idea why BBC would be calling you?"

I am about to say "NO. Not at all!", then, it clicks! The script I submitted a while back. That must be it! I rumble something to her...I can't quite remember what I said, but I did mention that I submitted a script to BBC. Vera laughs. Silence. I wait. We wait for either of us to break the silence. My heart in my throat, my veins popping out of my skin; she breaks the silence: "Congratulations Deborah! Your play Will Simith Look Alike won the BBC African Performance 2010 Playwriting competition!"

This wasn't a dream. This was real, I was talking to someone from the BBC telling me that my play won the 2010 competition!? That I get a financial award on top of my play being broadcast on BBC? As I am trying to absorb all this, she says, "I should also mention that Wole Soyinka was the Judge of the competition and he is the one who got to select your play!" 

Wole Soyinka! A man whose writing was introduced to me in my secondary school days, he was one of the people whose work influenced me to write plays!! The thought of Wole Soyinka holding my script and actually reading it  thrills me.

I am so thankful because God has caused me to meet amazing people on my journey as a playwright. I have been privileged to work and be mentored by wonderful, giving, loving individuals. The support I have received from my former professors, some of my employers and colleagues has been extremely invaluable and I am forever grateful to God for directing me to this path."

This is not the first time that Ms. Asiimwe is earning recognition for her drama-tic prowess. Early this year, her play, Forgotten World, premiered at The School of Theater at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) where she attained her Master of Fine Arts Degree in Writing for Performance. A few months later, her new play, Cooking Oil, about an East African girl and foreign aid meant for her village, got a public reading in Manhattan . This play will in fact be staged at the National Theatre in Kampala later this year. I'll keep you updated. 

Today at National Theatre

The re-branded Jam Session has already picked fire and is blazing hot with live performances; stirring vocals, eclectic instruments; come enjoy the masters alongside the apprentices; performances with an artistic soul that serve as a role model to the entire industry here and across the border; a variety show to take your breath away! All for free starting 8p.m.!!!

Saturday June 5, 7:30 p.m.

The classic theatre musical, Aladdin, comes to the National Theatre in Kampala, thanks to the International School of Uganda's Production of Disney's 'Aladdin Jr.' Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. Book adapted and additional lyrics by Jim Luigs. Music adapted and arranged by Bryan Louiselle based on the screenplay by Ron Clements and John Musker, Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio. Tickets on sale at the National Theatre Box Office; Adults -10,000Shs, Children -5,000Shs. This is one of those rare shows you don't want to miss!

SILENCE VITAL FOR EVERY BELIEVER

By Robert Bake Tumuhaise

I have no doubt the time I spent upcountry during the festive season revived my life. One of the things I enjoyed a great deal was freedom from noise. I was in a village with no telecom network, no internet, no discos, no batembeyi, and not many vehicles. The calm I felt gave me an atmosphere to evaluate my life in 2009 and to plan better for 2010. The peace I got reminded me what a gift silence can be! From the first century saints, through the ascetics of the middle ages, to the most recent saints of Padre Pio’s time, “Quiet Time” has been part of the life-style of the great men and women of God.

As you well know, today we are living in a world of noise. There are too many voices fighting for our attention at ago. While the street preacher is still assuring you of how you are soon perishing in hell, the mutembeyi will be shouting at the top of his voice to make you see his clothes. You will be fleeing from the hooting taxi, only to bump into a noisy truck marketing music. Even at places of work and at home, there will always be someone to shout at you. In the end you may never have a settled mind, unless you take a deliberate decision to withdraw from noise once in a while.

Each one of us needs to create some personal time. This is something I emphasize in my book "TOUCHING HEAVEN, RAZING HELL!" You need some uninterrupted time for yourself, if possible everyday. This is what I call "Me-Alone-Time". A time to reflect on your achievements, failures, weaknesses and strengths. A time to evaluate your past, meditate on the present and plan your future. A moment to take unrushed decisions for the good of your spiritual, marital or work life. Don’t say you have no time for silence; you have exactly the same number of hours in a day like the Pope and yet he gets time off his busy schedule to reflect on his life. 2010 is not a year of excuses; it’s a year of action.

Bake is an author, and Managing Director,

World of Inspiration.
Contact: bakerobert@yahoo.com / 0712-868424.

SUCCESS IS ACHIEVABLE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

By Robert Bake Tumuhaise


BAKE, for the last 10 years I’ve been chasing a UK Visa in vain. I have prayed and fasted but God has forsaken me. Now I know I am going to die a poor man,” my friend recently lamented. I was about to tell him not to be foolish, but I did not because I realized he was simply a victim of a crippling mindset. No wonder Saint Paul urges us to be transformed by renewing our minds daily.

This young man is just one of the many captives that have postponed living and are languishing in self-created limbo, waiting to start enjoying life when their dream of going abroad comes true.
It’s funny how some people struggle to leave a country that others are struggling to enter. While you may struggle to go to India to make money, hundreds of Indians entering Uganda are prospering!

When Winston Churchill thought of calling our motherland the Pearl of Africa, he had seen many treasures in this land.

How did the Bitatures, the Wavas, the Mukwanos make their money? And how many Ugandans have returned from South Africa, America, UK, without even enough money for a ticket back?
The belief that you can only succeed from abroad is part of a poverty/failure mindset that must be overcome.

I have a strong conviction that a person prepared to succeed will always succeed anywhere in the world. I remember reading about a man who was once a millionaire. All his factories were destroyed during war and he fled to another country as a refugee without anything. However, within two years, he was a millionaire again! This implies that his success was in his mind.

God has given each of us talents and gifts which, if used creatively and according to his purpose, will inevitably lead us to success. In this world there are people who wait for things to happen and there are those who make things happen. I am among the latter. How about you?


The writer is an author & Managing Director of World of Inspiration.
Contact: bakerobert@yahoo.com / 0712-868424

"The Rite of Spring" at the National Theatre

If there is one powerful African dance company that has single-handedly revolutionized contemporary dance in Uganda, working in fusion with the European style, it is the Uganda National Contemporary Ballet.

The posse of lithe dancers will put up a weekend of mesmerising performance on Friday and Saturday (23-24^th April 2010) in the National Theatre auditorium here in Kampala, at 7:30 pm respectively, and tickets are already on sale at our Booking Office.

You cannot afford to the miss the highlight ballet, The Rite of Spring (le sacre du printemps) on the well known music of Igor Stravisky with live percussions by one of Uganda's best percussionists, Hermann Ssewanyana, and other 11 dancers of Uganda National Contemporary Ballet.

"I have always wished to create this great work, Rite of Spring, but before now was never able to find the dancers I needed," says choreographer Valerie Miquel, on Stravinsky's masterpiece. "And now I have found them; the Uganda National Contemporary Ballet has what it takes; thanks to them we can now present this fantastic piece of music and dance."

Igor Stravisky (1882 -1971) was a quintessential Russian composer, pianist and conductor, in fact, is considered one of the world’s most outstanding influential composer of 20^th century music. According to wikipedia, The Rite of Spring did not earn Stravinsky enviable stature as "a musical revolutionary, pushing the boundaries of musical design," it also "transformed the way in which subsequent composers thought about rhythmic structure…the music's innovative complex rhythmic structures timbres, and use of dissonance have made it a seminal 20th century composition."

When I ask Valérie to tell us in simple terms the story behind the acclaimed dance piece, her eyes dance merrily and she says: "There is no story. For me this music is a celebration of life: life in nature, life of human beings. Spring is the strongest season - the rebirth of nature each year - and is full of strength and energy. Spring is also the season of renewal, where all is new, innocent, and open to everyone. That is why we have among us a little four year-old girl, Martina."

She adds: "The dancers represent all the powerful animalistic instincts of life, which are in all of us. Forget about understanding, just feel free and flow with us through this passionate dance. And celebrate life!"

There will be special guests –the Chinese Kung Fu Club of Kansanga who will present All Men are Brothers and Skar  who will sing where is this Love, a song created for the street children.

Like I said, tickets are being sold at the National Theatre Kampala for 5,000 shillings or  you can call 0773 09 15 86 or 0712 72 74 24.    

The "Pearl of Africa a Powerhouse of Art

By Robert Bake

The recent happenings on Uganda’s literary scene undoubtedly point to a great revolution that’s taking place in the art and creative industry in the country. The Authors’ Forum every month, the gathering by Kampala Readers’ Club every fortnight, the various trainings for screenwriters, movie producers, directors and actors/actresses, and more regular art exhibitions, among other events, cannot be happening at this magnitude by accident.

Today, the media has opened more to promotion of local talent and the works of local authors. Designers are showcasing their works on every television station. Comedy shows are becoming more and more popular. Every minute a song is being produced in the studio. Talent search programs from every angle are taking place. Awards for distinguished artistes are being organized annually. All this is evidence that something new is happening. Something that the world should get ready for!

I have this conviction that Uganda is about to prove itself a powerhouse of art and creativity. The time has come when the Pearl of Africa is no longer going to be known world over for President Idi Amin’s tyrannical rule, HIV/AIDS, corruption or the war against Joseph Kony and the LRA, but for the power of art and creativity. The industry is growing at a terrific and unstoppable speed. The literary tempo is high and I have no doubt that a revolution is taking place. I am glad to be amidst this revolution!

Message of Condolence

It's with utmost grief and shock that the Board, Management and Staff of the Uganda National Cultural Centre have learnt of the sudden death of Ms. Susan Bamutenda. The creative and performing arts fraternity will so miss her bright contribution particularly in the field of dance. Indeed, she'll be difficult to replace. Our sincerest condolences to her family, relatives and friends. We will always love and remember you, Susan. May the good and ever kind Lord rest your soul in enverlasting peace.

Butterflies of Uganda

Isn't that a beautiful title? Well, Butter Flies of Uganda is showing at the National Theatre this weekend, starting tomorrow Saturday to Sunday, 3:00 and 7:00 pm respectively. And the good news is that it's on us --which means it's absolutely free!

Because it's drawn from real life, Butterflies of Uganda is closer home that you can imagine. Beyond the powerful symbolism behind the title, the story is as sobering as this line from the script can get: "Let me tell you a story. I was conceived in rape."  That's all I can reveal now because I don't want to spoil the broth for you.

And in case you have watched Butterflies of Uganda and you are not the kind that twice watches a film, then fret not! On the same menu, we also have Waiting for my Tractor, a short film by Theatre Factory. I've not watched the film but if what is written on the jacket can be trusted, then it's one hilarious film:

"Waiting for my Tractor is all about hope and tells us that our dreams can come true if we appreciate that there are others with similar goals, identify them and work with them towards overcoming our blockades and enjoying the fruits of taking action..."  

I don't know about you but as for me, it is with unbated breath that I'm looking forward to watching these films at the National Theatre tomorrow and on Sunday, once again at 3:00 and 7:00pm 

Black Mamba at the National Theatre

As part of its educational moves, the National Theatre will this weekend (Friday February 12-14) stage a production of the late Prof. John Ruganda's famous play, Black Mamba, at 3pm. Entrance free is 3,000 shillings for students and 5,000 for the rest.

 A sobering account of the things people do in the pursuit of "prosperity and a better life," Black Mamba is on the O-Level Literature Syllabus and is arguably Uganda 's finest works of literature in the drama genre. 

 The performance of this play also carries significant symbolism for all enthusiasts of Ugandan theatre as they remember the golden era of Ugandan theatre and Prof. Ruganda for his gripping writing style and illumination of social concerns in his works such as The Burdens (1972), Black Mamba (1973), The Floods (1980), Covenant with Death (1973), Music Without Tears (1982), Echoes of Silence (1986) and Telling the Truth Laughingly (1993) not forgetting his prolific poetry. 

 Ruganda's influence was so tangible that it would not be farfetched to call him the Henrik Isben of Uganda . During a 2008 Memorial Lecture in his honour at the University of Limpopo, where he taught before his death in 2007, he was described by Prof. Taban Lo Liyong as "an international and revered playwright, poet, actor and a theatre director; his work is a stone that will live for ever."

 At a time when Ugandan theatre is limping following fierce blows of competition from the music and movie industry, the staging of Black Mamba at the National Theatre is expected to stir up creative figures not only to keep the spirit of Ruganda alive but to churn out formidable manuscripts that shun evil but advocate for values in society while providing rich stage entertainment as well.

'The Meet' in their 4th Poetry Recital at National Theatre

The Lantern Meet of Poets will hold their 4th Poetry Recital under the theme "Footprints of Verse –an Odyssey." Come early this Saturday and grab your seat in the main auditorium of the National Theatre. At 6pm, the curtain will rise. Don't say I didn't tell you…

I don't know about you but I've not forgotten the hum and strum that coloured that evening toward the close of August 2009 when the Lantern Meet of Poets gathered in the National Theatre auditorium to give their ever increasing fans their Third Grand Recital.

It was a full house and I remember thinking that more than inspiring artistic creativity, this urban group of impassioned writers would forever be remembered for helping poetry find acceptance in Uganda.

The animated audience were fed on a glut of the impressive poems carefully selected and delivered to complement the theme of the night, A Fresh Coat of Paint. But most memorable was the homage and living tributes paid to connoisseurs gone and living -Okot p'Bitek, Henry Barlow, Dr. Susan Kiguli, Prof. David Rubadiri, Richard Ntiru and Prof. Timothy Wangusa, to mention.

Now, The Meet, as they are popularly known, will have their next recital this Saturday, February 6 at the National Theatre auditorium –and I can hardly contain myself! I mean they have seemingly done it all: poems that embody the universal human experience; tears and laughter, poverty and affluence, spirituality and degeneration, joy and hurt –think of every imaginable subject. And last time, the presentation was given a backdrop pf drum, guitar and violin music, what is it going to be this time, I wonder. What is going to be that extra zing?

Guy Mambo smiles simply and says if you liked the previous recitals this one is going to be bigger and better. And if you were in my shoes, what would you add, honestly? Well, see you this Saturday at the National Theatre, and don't worry because it's all free.

Jam Session Is Not In Jeopardy

I would like to draw your attention to the inaccuracies in the article, Jam Session in Danger Again that featured in The Observer of January 28-31, 2010. By reporting that the Jam Session is "in jeopardy," the writer, David Tumusiime, was speculating.

He didn't consult me or the director of this institution to cross-check his story for purposes of objectivity, accuracy, fairness and truth as the journalism profession demands.

The Monday night Jam Session has been a popular part of the entertainment menu since 1989, with urban people flocking to the National Theatre to enjoy a combo of live music and performances. As such, it cannot drift away just like that.

The scrupulous truth is that the Jam Session is undergoing a revolution for musical arrangements and live performances that will rhyme with the international definition of "a jam session."

Of essence is nurturing performers and helping others attain professionalism and global appeal. The regular performers and patrons were informed about this re-branding process way in advance; they endorsed the idea and are looking forward to a fresh Jam Session, new equipment, improved security, great partnerships, star performances and, most of all, an artistic soul that will serve as a role model to the entire industry here and across the border.

p.s. This response can be read in today's online edition of the The Observer as well.

Authors' Forum Comes to the National Theatre

The Authors' Forum has solidified its position as one of the most inspirational happenings on Uganda's social calendar, and become the balm that assuages the fears of many in a country where a poor reading culture and disrespect of intellectual property have long been bemoaned.

Concerned with nurturing talent and helping authors conquer writing hurdles, the Authors' Forum is a brainchild of Mr. Robert Bake, one of Uganda's Christian-inspirational authors, motivational speaker and the Managing Director of the World of Inspiration. It also links people who have new ideas with people who want to fund those ideas.

Five months since its launch in Kampala, the Authors' Forum continues to attract more formidable forces in the literary world as those who attended the November 2009 edition have testified about the electrifying presentation from Dr. Moss Mashamaite, a famed South African author and businessman. 

Now it has found a permanent home at the National Theatre which part of the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC). This month’s edition, indeed, will be in the National Theatre Auditorium this Wednesday, February 3, starting 5:00p.m. Entrance fee: 15,000 shillings.

This time around, "The focus is on wealth creation," says Bake. "We're looking at how authors can raise funding through our work, and how we can use our works to influence positive values in society."

The guest of honour is Prof. Peter Kasesenene.

Keiga Dance Company and Sebunjo Bring their Magic to National Theatre

It's "live time" at the National Theatre, on January, Friday 22^nd to Sunday 24^th 2010 in Without Borders, a contemporary dance performance without limitations featuring our own Joel Sebunjo (pictured) with live music.

Organised by  Keiga Dance Company with support from Alliance Française de Kampala Uganda, this is a performance that all dance lovers will gladly relish. As The New Vision reports, the company is "unpredictable in its composition" and you know nothing is as exhilarating as the element of surprise in any artistic creation or performance.

Sebunjo, who's a main feature, is that World Music-ian prodigy you cannot afford to miss! Armed with a musicology degree (he majored in Ethnomusicology –the study of world cultures and their music), a voice to match and dexterous at playing percussion instruments of all modes, Bunjo as he's popularly known among his bulk of fans, is a sensation here and abroad.

Sebunjo and his threesome band (Sundiata) have performed in Finland, Sweden, Kenya, Belgium, Estonia, England, Hong Kong, China, Rwanda, Taiwan and in many West African countries where he has been chanced to share a stage with sensational world musicians like Salif Keita, Etran Finatawa, Yossou N'Dour,Cheb Kaled, Ba Cissoko, Didier Awadi,  Toumani Diabate, Oliver Mtukudzi, Jalibah Kouyateh, not forgetting Swedish star Alle Moller.

He learnt his trade from his grand father, a court musician then, and was later apprenticed to masters of Ganda royal court music like Dr. Albert Ssempele, Busuulwa Katambula, and Ludoviko Serwanga. He went on to draw further inspiration particularly from West Africa's traditional folk music greats. He likes to brag about how in Gambia he met his icon, Alagi Mbye who helped him become a master Kora player.

All this pretty has much to do with the feel of his music which is expressed largely through instruments but is difficult to express with words. The rhythm and style of his music varies; he sings in Luganda and Wolof of Senegal, Mandinka (Gambia/Guinea) which explains the diversity of his repertoire.

And because he plays the Kora, bow lyre, xylophone, 4-hole bamboo flute, conical drums, tube fiddle, thumb piano, drums, and other native instruments from East and West Africa, Sebunjo's acoustic sound –an African touch of folk, jazz and blues –always  enters fresh into the ears of his fans.

Arguably no one has popularized Uganda's folk music like Sebunjo. He has performed with popular afro-jazz groups like Baxmba Waves and is a darling of many at Alliance Française concerts and at Ndere Centre where he performs occasionally. His music illuminates the cross-cultural diversity in Africa and he's arguably Uganda's star of "playing live."

So this weekend (Friday-Sunday) at the National Theatre, 7pm, Main Auditorium, 10.000 shillings, come and watch a performance to remember. Come and see a contemporary dance performance without limitations to dance technique –featuring Joel Sebunjo –fusing the best of live music, instruments and traditions.

Hilarious January at the National Theatre

The Obsessions in a hilarious farce, Tears of my Soul (see one of the scenes in the picture) in the Main Auditorium on the weekend of 8^th -10^th and then on 15^th to 17^th January 2010. Two shows on each occasion; 3pm and 7pm for 10.000 shillings each.

Don't miss the premier of Ekimyanso Mu Mukwano, a film by the Uganda Federation of Movie Industry. It will be in the Main Auditorium, at 7p.m., and its free of charge. Loosely translated as The Blindness the film comes with English subtitles for those who don't comprehend Luganda. It's a powerful movie that revolves around themes of betrayal in relationships and the ramifications that come with revenge.

Monday nights, as usual, is for Jam Session. Fresh packages and a whole remix of spirited performances. Don’t miss! 7pm. Free! Great snacks, great drinks!

Percussion Discussion every Tuesday 8:30 pm. For only 5,000shillings get to enjoy live performances with an authentic African touch!

Meanwhile Comedy Night has been revitalized! Some new faces, great skits, more professionalism, don't miss –every Thursday, 8:30 pm, National Theatre Gardens. It's free as long as you pay 5000 shillings!

On the weekend of 22^nd to 24^th January 2010, the Keiga Dancers are back at the National Theatre Main Auditorium with great body movements and unrivalled choreography. 7pm. Main auditorium. 10.000 shillings only.

And the Latin Flavour will intoxicate you, baby! The rumba, the classic waltz, the foxtrot, mention it! Sensual dancing at its best. If you love the BBC Entertainment's Strictly Come Dancing, you will certainly fall for these great dances to. Come and enjoy a mesmerizing experience at only 5,000 shillings. In the Main Auditorium. 7pm.

The Latin Flavour is followed by the Bonfire. We are talking poetry at its best, gymnastics, story-telling, b-balling, hip-hop, traditional dances, riddles, hilarious drama skits (see picture), and all for free. Every Wednesday 8:30 pm. Don't miss the lyrical Curious and Ugly Emcee and his band of creative spirits

Who said you had no entertainment plot this January!