NICK REDING | KENIA | 2013 | 92' | SWAHILI WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
Kenya used to be a haven of peace and quiet in the often volatile continent of Africa. This changed with the 2007 presidential elections, when the two main candidates accused each other of ballot fraud. The ethnically charged conflict escalated and eventually led to 1200 deaths.
British actor, director, writer and theatre-maker Nick Reding has been living in Kenya for many years now. In 2001, he started his own theatre company SAFE (Sponsored Arts For Education), which toured the country with a production about AIDS. The serious riots of 2007 inspired him to write a new play, It's Us, in which he shows how easily political disturbances can get out of control. The play made its rounds around the country and has now also been filmed. Reding did this in a very original fashion: the film scenes are intercut with footage of the live stage play, which enables viewers to feel the impact the play had on local audiences.
In a typical Kenyan community elections are soon to be held. A local politician starts spreading vicious rumours, hoping to influence the outcome in his favour. In a community where people have lived together harmoniously for years suddenly mistrust takes hold. The situation rapidly escalates. Reding masterfully succeeds in combining a deeply serious subject with lots of humour.
Screenings
Vondelpark Open Air Theater:
FRI 15 AUG – 21.30
(admission free, donation appreciated)
Bijlmerbios:
SAT 16 AUG – 21.00
(admission free)
Marie Heinekenplein:
FRI 22 AUG - 21.30
(admission free, donation appreciated)
Rialto:
SUN 24 AUG – 18.00 
VU Campus:
WED 3 AUG – 20.15