Cast/Artists Info

The Sunbirds

The Artistic Team of ‘The Sunbirds’ includes:
 
Sarah Wahanga Mando…………………………………..Choreography Director
Danson Kiundi…………………………………………... Music Director
Liz Ouda………………………………………………… Artistic Director

Sarah Wahanga Mando
Sarah Wahanga Mando is a well-known artistic individual in Sterling Quality Entertainment Company who has played an active role in past productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof and the successful Aida. As the Choreography Director of The Sunbirds, Sarah is widely remembered as one of the most graceful dancers during the performances of Aida. She reveals “it is in the arts that I come alive!” Sarah confesses that “there is great potential for theatre in Kenya as artists are incredibly talented.” She poignantly expresses her grand vision for Kenyan theatre by saying “Kenya is Africa’s cradle of theatre as will be witnessed in the coming years.”

Liz Ouda
“The theatre offers me a freedom, a release that is very hard to find in other fields,” says Liz Ouda the Artistic Director. Previously the Choreography Director for other productions, Liz has a penchant for dancing: “my first love is dancing,” however her passion and interest in theatre is equally enormous and she “naturally gravitates towards musical theatre and the stage.”  As an Artistic Director, Liz’s understanding of theatre will certainly be deepened as she strives to achieve her goal of setting up one of the premiere theatrical and dance art schools in the country.

Danson Kiundi
Danson Kiundi on the other hand as a Music Director is the extraordinary individual behind the creation of The Sunbirds a project he has been working on for a number of years. The exceptional and riveting orchestral but African tunes accompanying the impressive singing, dancing and acting by the cast were composed by Danson Kiundi. As a Music Director in the upcoming production, Danson plays an instrumental role in conducting the band which he finds enjoyable and indeed rewarding as evident through his strong belief that he will triumph as he “conducts all over.”

The Principles of ‘The Sunbirds’ are as follows:

Renee Sewe……………………………………….. Cirumi
Charles Joseph Ouda………………………………. Oke
Crystal Okello Nyang’aya………………………….Dzivaguru
Tugi Njoki…………………………………………..Junior
Waithaka Gatumia………………………………….Gamba
Johnson Mwakazi Mwagogo……………………….The Grandfather

Renee Sewe
An aspiring dental surgeon, Renee loves dancing, singing, watching movies, listening to music, swimming and playing her guitar. Starring as the village belle Cirumi, Rene admits she enjoys meeting and working with talented cast members. A polite and fun-loving personality, Renee’s favorite song in The Sunbirds is ‘fantasy of spirit of Africa.’

Crystal Okello Nyang’aya
An ambitious, vibrant and lively individual, Crystal is interested in theatre, food and swimming. She admits that theatre gives her an avenue to express her loud and dramatic personality and most importantly she enjoys being around people who are like her. As Dzivaguru goddess of light, Crystal enjoys the dances and hopes that Kenyan Theatre “will be able to attract a wider audience without restricting theatre to a certain class of people.”

Tugi Njoki
At the tender age of only 10 years of age, Tugi stars in ‘The Sunbirds’ as the innocent and inquisitive Junior. Tugi loves to read, poetry and swimming (which she admits she taught herself!) She describes herself as a serious, sensitive, perceptive and fun-loving person. Tugi is also an outgoing individual with great aspirations one of which is to “see more productions by children and for children.” She is undoubtedly paving the road to becoming a successful career musician.

Waithaka Gatumia
Many will remember him as the valiant Radames from the Egyptian tale of ‘Aida’ in this production he plays the village bully Gamba. Waithaka knows that his place is in theatre and production. He loves to sing, dance and act and strongly believes he was destined to perform and act. A realistic, calm and friendly individual, he hopes to continue working in theatre and venture into film production as well.

Johnson Mwakazi Mwagogo  
At 20 years of age, Johnson plays the role of the grandfather. He is a pious individual who is dedicated to pursuing his purpose through acting, poetry and singing. As he strives towards becoming an international actor, many will acknowledge his undeterred determination. Asked what three things he would like to have if stranded in a deserted island, he responded peace of mind, focus and confidence.

Charles Joseph Ouda