As the name suggests, the play chronicles the life and legacy of Tom Mboya, delving into his early years, the beginnings of his career as a trade unionist, his rise to prominence as a political and national leader, and ultimately, his tragic assassination. The production also explores personal facets of his life, offering audiences a glimpse into the man behind the icon.
Given the breadth of Mboya’s achievements and his towering historical significance, attempting to capture his entire life story in a single production is nothing short of ambitious. Yet the series rises to the challenge, weaving together a compelling narrative that pays tribute to one of Kenya’s most influential figures.
In the November 2024 series, the production’s structure was primarily narrative, with different narrators recounting various aspects of Mboya’s life, interspersed with skits that brought key moments to life.
The Too Early for Birds cast delivered a stellar performance, with each narrator infusing their unique style and energy into the storytelling. The chemistry among the cast members was palpable, adding an organic vibrancy to the stage interactions. Even when lines were forgotten, their improvisation felt natural, creating spontaneous moments of humour that only enhanced the experience. The seamless yet hilariously engaging transitions and reentries further underscored the production’s creative brilliance, drawing the audience deeper into the narrative.
The skits and dance numbers were far more captivating than the narrations. Take, for instance, the Unbwogable scene, which powerfully depicted Mboya’s first encounter with workplace racism, or the Mombasa scene, where his charisma and influence as a trade unionist came vividly to life.
In the Jaba scene, the crew skillfully wove in the various theories — both factual and conspiratorial — about Mboya’s motives and political manoeuvres, adding depth and intrigue to the story. One standout moment was Mama Africa, a skit that hilariously yet aptly portrayed Mboya’s reputation as an eternal playboy. I still catch myself laughing at the memory of it.
Additionally, I appreciated the non-linear storytelling. The constant shifts between past and future kept the narrative fluid and engaging, drawing connections and ensuring the audience stayed on their toes.
However, as the central figure of the story, I found Mboya’s presence on stage surprisingly understated. He appeared only in brief intervals, feeling more like a background character than the main focus. This limited presence made it difficult to form a deep emotional connection with him. That said, the actor portraying Mboya was perfectly cast, with a striking resemblance to the historical figure and an ability to embody Mboya’s commanding aura convincingly.
Nyokabi Maina, on the other hand, was an absolute tour de force. A true chameleon, she transformed effortlessly into a variety of characters, each one distinct and compelling. As a narrator, she was stern yet hilariously engaging. As Mombasa Woman #2, she was utterly convincing. As Police Officer #2, her comedic timing was impeccable, and as Jaba Woman, she was entirely in character. Sema range!
Elsaphan Njora was another standout. A delight to watch, he brought incredible depth to his roles, fully inhabiting each character with a nuanced understanding of their essence. His performance was so convincing that, for a moment, I almost believed he was the one who killed Mboya! And his signature tagline — Baallllls! — was a showstopper every time.
Then there was Anubhav, whose energy infused the entire production with vitality. His leaps, strides and twists across the stage were mesmerising, drawing the audience’s attention and keeping us invigorated. It was impossible not to follow his enthusiastic movements, which added an electrifying dimension to the performance.
The
costumes were a highlight for me, transporting me straight into the 1960s with
their impeccable attention to detail. The flared pants, low-heeled shoes paired
with socks, oversized suits, neatly parted hair and pastel tones created a
vivid snapshot of the era. Every look added authenticity and charm, grounding
the performance firmly in Mboya’s time.
While I appreciated the immense effort it must have taken to construct the towering stage prop, I felt the set design had untapped potential. It could have been more dynamic and engaging. For instance, the dome could have featured changing visuals, reflecting different periods of Mboya’s life, adding depth and narrative continuity.
Alternatively, the team might have utilised a broader range of props to create a more immersive and visually captivating experience. These enhancements could have elevated the production’s storytelling even further.
Overall, Too Early for Birds lived up to the hype. With its talented cast, sharp humour and the emotional gravity of the script, it’s easy to see why the show consistently sells out.
Nevertheless, tackling the entire life of a towering figure like Tom Mboya is an ambitious undertaking, perhaps too ambitious. Four hours is a significant stretch to keep the audience engaged, especially given the heavy reliance on narration.
By the end of the performance, it was clear that the audience was drained. Some members didn’t make it through the entire show, and moments like the Waruhiu connection were lost in the sea of information, overwhelmed by the sheer density of the material.
A stronger balance of “showing” over “telling” would have made the experience more immersive. More skits accompanying the narration could have added much-needed variety and visual engagement. Alternatively, focusing on a particular aspect of his life — such as his career as a trade unionist or the political intrigue surrounding his assassination — might have been more fitting. The second half of the show demonstrated this potential, showcasing how powerful a more focused narrative could be.
In the words of Stephen King, sometimes you have to “kill your darlings” to serve the story better.
That being said, I absolutely loved the ending scene. It was a powerful moment that really tugged at our heartstrings, paying a fitting tribute to the fallen Maandamano heroes. A poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.
The work Too Early For Birds is doing is incredibly impactful, not just for its cultural and sociopolitical relevance but also for the way it educates audiences about aspects of history that are often overlooked or obscured. These hidden narratives bring a new depth to our understanding of the past.
I’m excited to see what other historical figures and events they’ll tackle in the future.
