'She Loves Me' What a Riveting Performance by the Ugandan Cast!

What a Spellbinding Performance by the Ugandan cast!

In July this year 2024, the team at Yenze Theatre Conservatoire, produced and performed to the musical, 'She Loves Me.' Every member of the audience is still picking their jaws from the floor. The artistry and talent was another world experience. 

With my dear friend Lucille, after the performance. All beams!

'She Loves Me' is a musical, based on the book by Joe Masteroff, which was adapted into a play by Hungarian playwright Miklos Laszlo, in 1937.

Yenze Theatre Conservatoire, a leading drama school in Uganda, founded by Aganza Kisaka, holds regular theatre classes and apprenticeships, during which Aganza Kisaka and her team of directors, guide upcoming talent into theatre.

'She Loves Me,' produced and directed by Aganza was gripping and enthralling. The play, also titled Parfumerie, is set largely in a small establishment that is in the business of selling perfume. Owned by Mr. Maraczek, played the award winning afro soul-artiste, Kenneth Mugabi, his employers lives lives of ambition, desperation and thinly veiled deception.

Mr. Maraczek, played by Kenneth Mugabi (official photo)

From two-timing, to unrequited love and romantic twists, the play is a joy to watch. Amalia Balash, acted by the indefatigable talent, Tayo Shonubi, corresponds to someone from a Lonely Hearts forum, and unknowingly, the anonymous person she corresponds with, who returns her affection with endearment and equal intellect, is none other than her nemesis at the perfumery. He is Mr. Georg Nowack, acted by Amanyire Joel Andrew.

The unforgettable Amalia Balash, acted by Tayo Shonubi, in the centre

The twist and turns, the sexual tension build up between these two cast members, leaves us all on the edge of our seats. And then there is Ilona Ritter, acted by the formidable Alina Camilla, a lady who flits from one love interest to another, obsessed by the superficial and who often leads her heart into the most complex situations. In every romantic musical, there must be a player, a man who holds such a sense of grandiose, cheating with women as he pleases, even his employer's wife. The audacity! This aggravating character is acted by Greyc Miguel Matovu. His presence on stage is unforgettable.

                                  The highly gifted cast (official photo)

The entire cast leaves us mesmerized. The production crew and entire team outdid themselves to ensure that we had a riveting night. Musical direction by Mirian Mwase, was everything our ears could have hoped for and to the producer and director, Aganza, she incites us all back in December to watch it again.

Congratulations to the entire team!

Just before the show I bought a custom made recycled handbag from Owekitiibwa Nuwa Wamala Nnyanzi, at the craft village. 

Bless!

Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva

Poet. Speaker. 

Iconic Ugandan Women-Sister Paula

Where is your heart? What do you want? Is it merely attention, or depth, meaning and love?

 I visited Ediofe Health Centre in Arua Town, Northwestern Uganda, a dispensary whose small size belies its magnificence. Its meticulous small corridors and simple furnished offices, hold stories of great healing.

Sister Paula, an Italian nun, having lived on our beautiful continent, served as a medical professional for decades, offering her selfless service to patients from all walks of life.

During the intense political turbulence, conflict and horror of 1979 and beyond, she continued to treat people in various locations. 

Closer to her death, when asked to be returned home for her final rest, she requested to be buried in Uganda, where her heart lies. Here is her grave, at the entrance of Ediofe Health Centre.

Sister Paula is one of the iconic Ugandan women I shall be writing about. Even though she may not be a national by blood, I have heard enough about her healing career from many people, to form a credible opinion that her heart was truly Ugandan.

This poetry project on Ugandan women is managed by Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation and supported by The Trust for Indigenous Culture nd Health (TICAH) and British Council Kenya.

Bless!

Beverley

Lilian Nabaggala: An Iconic Ugandan

In 2023, I began the journey of documenting the lives of iconic Ugandan women through poetry. It has been such an uplifting, eye-opening and heartfelt process.

I have revitalized my firm belief that there are thousands of people whose lives have shaken old myths and whose lives have rattled patriarchal hierarchies.

Lillian Nabaggala is an interdisciplinary artist; a dancer, choreographer, fashion specialist and film director. Her artistry is fundamental to the conversation of the arts, because through dance, she interprets tradition, contemporary discourse, mental faculty and diversity.

With thanks from the support of British Council and TICAH - Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health, getting to know her has been an absolute pleasure.

When the book is out, I'll let you know.

The project is managed by Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation.

Speaking Into The Future

There is a wonderful and loving family that I have known for about four years. I have trained their children in public speaking and hosted one of their family events. 

Early in July, I was invited for the graduation party of their eldest daughter, who completed her Law degree. I was pleasantly surprised and honoured when I was given a chance to deliver a speech, as a respected trainer.

As we continue to use our gifts,  let's use them well. Doors will continue opening.

Bless!

Bev

 

About The Legends of St. Joseph's College Ombaci

If you want to meet a Ugandan gentleman who stands out for his dignity, intelligence and calm demeanour, then look for the boys of St Joseph's College Ombaci who studied there in the 1980s. I have met them and I am awed.

St. Joseph's College Ombaci is a boys' school situated in Northern Uganda, Arua District, just over 450 km Northwest of Kampala. The District borders the Congo border of Vurra. Arua is a polite and cleaner version of Kampala. 

My 2024 book research takes me through the West Nile, Congo and specifically, through the sacred school of St. Joseph's. Founded in 1943 by the Comboni Missionaries/ Verona Fathers, it is known to train students to become model citizens  who are impactful in their communities.

The O' level class of 1985 particularly suffered in unimaginable ways. During the 1979, 1980 and 1981 political turbulence in Uganda, these boys bore the brunt of their homes and villages being destroyed during the various massacres in their home areas in and around Arua and at a young age, ran for refuge with nothing on their backs. 

They missed at least two years of school, most of them having lost loved ones. St. Joseph's College Ombaci was attacked too during the Ombaci massacre of 1981. These students returned to school in 1982 having lost a couple of years and with no scholastic material, shoes, beddings or uniform. They just had a heart of strength and a good brain on their shoulders.

 

In 1985, these students, upon sitting for their O level, performed so well that out of the best out of the best ten in the country, three were from Ombaci. I have had the pleasure of holding long conversations with all three. 

Each is highly skilled in their profession, communicates with such skill, respectable and pleasant. I have learned wells of wisdom from each and as I conduct further research, there is so much treasure in the communities that raised these fine gentlemen. 

Apart from the Angara fish and well-prepared inyasi, something deeper has refined them into exceptional individuals.

To Arua and to the people who give our country a great name.

Bless!

Beverley

Married on 07/07/07

 We were married on 07/07/07.

Today, we celebrate 17 years of marriage.

I’m grateful  that my husband comes from a respectable and grounded family where boys and girls were raised well, to respect one another. Everyone was taught the value of domestic chores and hard work in the profession of their choosing. 

I pray for all those planning on getting married that they find respectful partners whom they will thrive together with.

If you came home and saw my husband peeling potatoes, you may form an opinion of our 17-year marriage, on just one incident, and create a sensation around it.

It is impossible to observe a one minute incident and form a credible opinion of our 17-year life together. However, I understand that some people are drawn towards sensationalism.

Positive masculinity is not eroded from mixing soapy water in the sink to wash dishes. It is much stronger and durable than that. It is built on a foundation of unwavering constructive values.

People often come up to me and make comments like this:-

“Beverley, how have you remained true to yourself in your marriage?”

My response is this: 

Marriage was always going to be part of my life’s journey but it was never going to be my entire identity. Before I was married, I had an identity. I had goals and dreams, and marriage happened to be part of that journey. That is why I still write and perform poetry, I train in public speaking, I travel and I read a lot.

My husband too, had his own identity before we got married. Marriage is just part of his journey.

During this journey, we have been blessed with children, navigating careers and growing older together. There is no marriage manual that fits perfectly, except if you are a person of faith and understand that God desires that as individuals, we should worship Him. 

Many people, unfortunately, idolise the institution of marriage, over God. They idolise and worship their spouses over God, and their identity is confused. 

Before marriage, you were a complete being. Remember that. Please, if you are planning to get married, find a coach who is able to assist you in understanding purpose and identity.

Marriage is a journey that poses interesting challenges, character building opportunities and back breaking moments. Once you have built your credible identity and found your source of faith and knowledge, it is easier to manage any situation, no matter the outcome.

I am creative. I’m a poet and speaker, who values amongst others; structure, time conscientiousness, professional email communication, respecting boundaries and the power of words to transform landscapes.

To more wonderful decades together with my husband and I. I send happiness and blessings to those who are considering marriage, and to those who are already in it.

Bless!

Beverley  N N

The Room Was Lit With Conquerable Mountains

I walked into the room and felt the light caressing my cheeks, as if it was for the first time.

When I stood besides these women, who have depth of character,  who stand for strong values, are associated with social justice and purpose, I felt a mountain moving out of my way. Jackie Asiimwe invited me for the launch of her book, 'Facing Mountains.' 

What she actually invited me for was a reminder of my purpose, for a restoration of my core values,  limitless possibilities, dutifully and meaningfully. This was an invitation for me to once again, be part of something consequential to my life's journey.

With Jackie Asiimwe, the author

Judy Kamanyi, gender justice advocate with 40years of experience.

Jackie Asiimwe, after climbing 6 physical mountains, conquering such physical feats with tenacity, a little bit of humor and grit, when she talks about mountains we all must listen.

I admire people who have such physical capacity, because behind their strength, is a formidable and remarkable character.

With Carol Beyanga (middle) and Hilda Twongyeirwe, ED of Femrite

Lillian Nabaggala, award-winning dancer and film maker and Hannah Mugenyi, designer

After spending time with chronically unconscionable people, walking into a room livened with pace setters, mentors, educators, advocates for peace, women's rights champions and more, is like breathing after a period of suffocation.

What an evening!

I felt at home, seated besides these magnificent women and men, whose strides continue lighting the path. I felt at home. I felt I was one of those who are driven by purpose, positive change and impactfulness. I felt I was back at home.

Goretti Kyomuhendo, ED of African writers Trust

Maritza, spoken word poet

Gloria wa Ndungi, vision board expert

Esther Kalenzi, social philanthropist and founder at 40-40

Do you feel like you are in an impossible situation, read 'Facing Mountains.' There is a Kenya book launch on 10 July, too.

Bless!

Beverley

Uganda Monopoly

 My young learners continue to surprise me.

Today, preparing for our regular public speaking class, they show me their Uganda Monopoly game.

It's detailed with Ugandan road names and all.

I am so impressed.

Contact +256 740976280 for details.

Fort Patiko: Turning Scars Into Eternal Good

 During our 2021 visit to Gulu and Pader in Northern Uganda, for the Rich Diction 'You and Your World' adventure, we visited Baker's Fort.

This Fort in Patiko, was built by Sir Samuel Baker, believed to have led he fight against slave trade in Northern Uganda. Slavery, at any level, is unacceptable.

On touring the fort, the guide educated us on  the harshness of slavery, showed us the narrow spaces where slaves went, never to return at all. The places where they walked to their inevitable end. 

On the ground, and this was the most harrowing image, were dried red marks of blood, reminders of the brutal murders during that time. 

Fort Patiko is a tourist site and there are many educational lessons from the elders as well, whom we were blessed to have a chat with. The scars on the mountains and rocks are places to learn from the past. Rock climbers take joy in the thrill of climbing over the sturdy terrain.

There is a beautiful view as well, and it offers opportunity to test your grit.

What scars remain on you? Turn them into eternal good.

Bless!

Beverley