‘The Bullet And The Flag ’ REVIEW :

‘The Bullet And The Flag ‘ Review :

‘The Bullet and the Flag ‘, a play about the state of the nation by Director Moses Ngwiri that delivers a heartfelt and resonant tribute , highlighting neocolonialism, imperialism and struggles of the country in finding its own identity. 

by Austin Malonza - 29 September 2024

Art is a very powerful thing for revolution. In Nairobi, most artists and creatives have mastered the art of using theatre plays to highlight issues that affect the community and give the audience a chance at coming up with concrete actions to address these problems. 

 For me theater has always been a mirror to society reflecting the struggles, joys and conversations of the moment. In Kenya, recent events - from political shits, economic challenges , to the ever-evolving social landscape , have provided fertile ground for compelling narratives. The play “ THE BULLET AND THE FLAG,” captures this essence tackling the current “maandamo”  issue 

On September 8 , 2024, a play titled “THE BULLET AND THE FLAG” , directed by Moses Ngwiri, was performed at the NG - CDF hall in Githurai 44 . This play not only highlighted the political injustices in Kenya, but also delved into and illustrated the critical situation in our country. The issues addressed in the play went beyond the recent Gen Z revolution , as I initially thought. Instead , it was deeply connected to Kenya’s history , showing that the challenges we face today are rooted in the legacies of colonialism and continue to impact the nation.

“What we were trying to cover, was not only the Gen z revolution but also telling the connection to the history (Neocolonialism, Imperialism )” says the writer, Njoki. She goes on and talks about how the play starts way back in Colonialism, showing the audience the transition after colonialism a struggle that is happening till now. Listening to the writer,  she also talks on how the uprising not only happening in Kenya, but also in Africa , how Africa has been struggling with its identity trying to break away from the hangovers of colonialism and now breaking away from neocolonialism an aspect they had in the play of the “Wazungus”  ( Whites)  being in  meetings the President and the cabinets were to show the audience the proxies of power externally. “ All this was a way of us trying to document our struggles so that people do not forget”  - Njoki says .

Not only does the play The bullet and the flag express the struggles that Kenyans go through especially the young generation (Gen z’s) but also expresses the struggle for parents who have lost their children in this contest.  In an interview with the play’s Director Moses Ngwiri, he talks on how from the play the youths push one another to know their civic rights , civic education , the constitution and each role the youth play in this country showing how 

art has a really important role to play in the activism in our country.The play is just but a reflection of what is going on in our country, what most local Kenyans would say in Swahili “Usanii ni kioo cha jamii”