Martin Kigondu’s path in theatre feels almost predestined. He was raised by parents who were teachers and poets, so he grew up in music and drama festivals, stages and stories, but he never knew he would be a scriptwriter, producer and director of award-winning films.
He attributes his success to an apprenticeship for at least the first half of his career. Martin learnt from artistes such as Ezekiel Alembi, Gilbert Lukalia, Millicent Ogutu, Keith Pearson, and George Mungai.
One opened the door for him into the theatre world, others helped shape his early professional grounding, and another instilled discipline, a quality he says has made him stand out.
Martin got a B- in his KCSE exam, missing university admission during his time. He was troubled seeing his friends join university. So, he kept nagging his parents until he was sent him to live with his uncle in Eldoret. There, he put children on stage to play the characters in shows he had written.
"Those in film can be respectable and be successful financially."
He later joined a travelling theatre troupe in Nairobi, honing his skills in directing productions and doing narrations. He has directed many more shows and taught performance and theatre arts. Today, he has his own film and theatre company, which has taught him that leadership in performing arts requires more than producing shows or directing talent.
Without exposure to professional practice, structure or mentorship, many young talents die, he says. “Those in film can be respectable and be successful financially.”
-Wangu Kanuri