In 2021, I moderated the panel discussion for the 'Tropical Fish' play, based on the award-winning short story by Doreen Baingana. This story transformed into a play and was directed by Sarah Nansubuga and the lead role was played alternately by Esteri Tebandeke and Lulu Jemimah.
Still observing Covid protocol, in a small theatre room hosted at Ndere Centre, the play, coordinated under Tebere Arts, unfolded. As the moderator, I watched Esteri in the advance moments before she took to the stage.
The protagonist, Christine Mugisha, depicts the life of a city girl who relies on the perceived power of foreign men to lead her out of her current dismal situation, and yet it is not as simple as that. There are complexities of identity woes, family troubles, patriarchal strongholds, betrayal and friendship. Situations are never based on just one thing.
In this role, Esteri expertly unraveled the mindset and relentless of a young aspiring woman who not only wanted to survive but like any ambitious person, desired to make a mark and along the way, she met individuals and encounters situations that were beyond her scope of understanding.
Esteri, during the panel discussion, explained that after her roles, she retreats quietly away so that she can remove the alter persona she has been taking on, to return to her self. Before any set, she also removes herself from crowds, she explained to us, to fully embody the role.
Lasy year 2025, Esteri launched the Binti women's film festival, which I could not attend because I was away. I was impressed by the way she immersed herself in the preparations. If I was in charge of Arts funds distributions, I would have given towards that inaugural women's film festival, which I am sure shall continue in her honour.
Dear Esteri, you lived large. You kept going.
Dear Sam Tebandeke, this is a huge loss. I met you as a dancer and I hope that you will find strength to continue dancing.
Much love, people.
Beverley.
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