A Theatre Revolution in Kisumu, Kenya: Amazon Theatrix Ensemble’s Impact 

What began as an innovative training program in 2023, organized by CIVICUS with the support of CHARM and SIDA, has sparked one of the most remarkable theatre revolutions in Kisumu, Western Kenya, and beyond. 

CIVICUS offered a series of transformative training courses focused on community mobilization. The topics covered included grant applications, resource mobilization, human-centered design, and content creation. This program has empowered local groups to create lasting changes in their communities. 

One such group, Amazon Theatrix Ensemble (A.T.E), found the training particularly inspiring. Moving away from traditional lecture-based formats, A.T.E. embraced the idea of telling real-life stories from their community, weaving in everyday experiences and advocating for change through performing arts. 

In an interview with Edwin Koga, the founder of A.T.E. and a member of the CIVICUS network, he shared how the group applied for the training when the call for applications went out. Out of over 1,000 applicants, A.T.E. was selected to participate in a community mobilization course. The two-month training, both online and offline, culminated in a session in Naivasha, where A.T.E. gained valuable skills in proposal writing, securing grants, and project management. These skills have opened doors to exciting partnerships, including with organizations like USAID and TIKO. 

Through their “Storytelling for Change Initiative,” A.T.E. continues to use theatre as a powerful tool for advocacy. No topic is off-limits in their performances, with the ensemble addressing critical social issues like reproductive health rights, mental health, gender equality, climate change, and child protection. Their performances spark vital discussions, often leading to community-wide debates about change. 

Actor Ombere Walter from A.T.E. shared, “We’ve already seen significant change, especially in social behavior. After our plays, deep conversations about the themes often continue long after the performance ends. People leave with new ideas on how to approach issues differently and bring those insights back to their communities. 

The ensemble’s reach extends far beyond Kisumu. Their performances have gained both local and international recognition, making them the go-to group for organizations in need of impactful theatre. They have showcased their work in Nairobi, Homabay, Uganda, the Kenya National Theatre, and even at the University of Bath in the UK. 

For Edwin Koga, founder, A.T.E, witnessing the real-world impact of their performances is their greatest reward. “Our biggest achievement has been seeing how our stage performances lead to behavioral change in different communities. All our plays are designed to educate and inform. We’re deeply grateful for the support from CHARM and CIVICUS, which has enabled us to make a real difference both locally and globally.”