“A Day in Africa” with Elizabeth Kahura

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in another town? How about a different state? Country? Continent? A few weeks ago, McMurry Theatre was joined by guest speaker and gifted storyteller Elizabeth Kahura, who entertained, educated, and engulfed us in the beauty of African culture!

Her program, African Safari Program, was brought to the department by Young Audiences of Abilene. She performed “A Day in Africa,” a particular program that introduces Africa as a continent, its culture and lifestyle, and traditional music and dance! Her performance focuses on sharing the importance of cultural values, how they influence our identities, and the interdependence of individuals within the community.

I was extremely fortunate to attend Kahura’s performance. Her energy was contagious, her smile infectious, and her encouragement uplifting. This production was incredibly interactive and challenged us as audience members to give our full attention to her words and demonstrations.

After taking us on a journey through common animals in Africa (“Simba” meaning “Lion”) and teaching us new words (“Jambo” meaning “Hello”), Kahura called audience members to join her onstage in a live drum circle with authentic African drums and other instruments. I must admit, it was awkward at first to play an instrument I wasn’t familiar with, but Kahura inspired us to feel the rhythm in our hearts, and to play to the beat of our souls. Soon enough, a powerful and joyous cadence flowed throughout the Ryan Theatre.

As audience members returned their instruments and went back to their seats, Kahura prepared for the next part of her lesson: Fashion! She brought a variety of shawls, fabrics, jewelry, and headdresses typically seen across African countries. She demonstrated that we were a village, and this village needed a Queen.

“Who will be my Queen today?” She asked. “Who will be my Queen today?” She asked again with the same enthusiastic attitude. Suddenly the shy but excited little girl I hadn’t seen since elementary manifested in me, and I slowly raised my hand. “You! You will be our Queen.”

I giddily walked to the stage and Kahura instructed me to wear a colorful shirt, a stunning beaded necklace, and the most intricate and beautiful headband I’ve ever seen in my life. More audience members were brought up to demonstrate other roles in a traditional African village—King, Mother, Hunter, Dancer—and we ended the performance with the entire theatre participating in a catchy dance!

Through music, performing arts, storytelling, and pictures, the entire audience got to actively participate in the feeling of Africa. Something I found incredibly inspiring about Kahura’s performance was how lovely it was to participate as an audience member. It isn’t often one gets to interact with performances, but Kahura treated that element as a priority! This style of teaching is memorable and leaves its viewers with a more thoughtful and curious outlook on interacting with our big world!

It was also so special to be seen as an individual. When I volunteered to be the Queen of our village, Kahura made me feel like I was the right choice. That I was meant to be on the stage with her that day. I was filled with such warmth to be recognized for qualities of a Queen, and the little girl in me who loves princesses and dress up was ecstatic. Although this program is offered to a variety of ages, to be noticed and appreciated is a desire everyone feels. Kahura satisfied that desire impeccably.

Although I can really only speak on behalf of my own experience, Kahura’s “A Day in Africa” is one I will never forget! McMurry Theatre is so honored to have had her perform on our stage! More information about her program can be found at http://Safariprogram.com.