The National Theatre of Nairobi, Kenya, is a site of both beauty and a horror, both a sign of the progressional growth of the city, as well as being a place rife with tales of paranormal activity and horrifying stories from the city's tumultuous past. From its colonial past to the present day, visitors to the theatre often experience what some describe as a twisted type of enchantment.
Horror Story of Nairobi's National Theatre
Once upon a time, there was a grand theater in Nairobi, known as the National Theatre. The building had a rich history, as many of the country's greatest performances were held there. However, the theater was not without its secrets.
On warm summer evenings, the empty theater was known to suddenly become filled with the sound of a woman’s voice singing. No one knew the origin of the voice, but many speculated that it was the spirit of a performer who had been killed when the theater was burnt down many years ago.
Though many people were intrigued by the mysterious singing voice, no one had the courage to investigate what lay behind it. That is until one brave soul decided to venture into the theater at night.
The man took the stairs down into the dark basement of the theater, lit only by his flashlight. As he explored, an eerie chill ran through him as he heard the singing echoing down the colorful hallways. He followed the sound until he reached a large wooden door at the end of the corridor.
The man braced himself for what lay ahead as he opened the door. To his shock, he saw a pale woman standing in the center of the room, surrounded by lit candles. The voice that floated in the air was coming from the woman.
He stepped inside cautiously and asked her why she was singing in the middle of the night. The woman paused and said that she was the victim of a nasty fire that had taken the lives of many performers, and she now cursed the theater as revenge.
The man frantically asked her how he could stop her from tormenting the place, and she replied that if he were to return with a sacrificial offering, she would end the curse on the theater forever.
The man agreed to return with the offering and ran back to his home to make the arrangements. That night he returned to the theater and offered a lamb as a sacrifice. For a few moments, nothing happened, and then the singing abruptly stopped.
The man waited for a few seconds, and when everything seemed to be silent, he left the theater in a hurry, never to return. From then on, the theater was haunted no more and all was quiet in the halls of the National Theatre.
History & Information of Nairobi's National Theatre
The National Theatre in Nairobi, Kenya, is a performance space and arts complex located in the central business district of the city. It serves as a venue for a variety of performances, including theatre, dance, music, film and other forms of art in Kenya.
The National Theatre was originally built in 1959 as part of the transition period from the declining British colonial influence to Kenya's independence as a nation. It was financed by the Ford Foundation and designed by a renowned Dutch architect, Jan Adesteyn.
Throughout the decades, the theatre has played a major role in promoting both Kenya's emerging talent and established world-class performers. It has housed some of the most popular international performers such as American Bob Dylan, reggae star Bob Marley, Canadian jazz and blues artist B.B. King, as well as renowned Indian classical performers Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar Khan. It has also proudly showcased the best of Kenya’s performing arts and music scenes, such as renowned national troupe BMZ Performing Arts, pencil mbembe musicians, and the mellifluous songs of Kenyan guitarist Bahati.
The National Theatre is also home to several official theatres, including the New Kenya National Theatre, the Bomas Theatre, the Auracle Centre for Creativity, and the conventional and experimental Academy Performing Arts, which all put on regular performances.
The theatre, although now a modern building, still reflects the country's rich theatrical and cultural heritage, with walls adorned with traditional art, costumes, and masks. It is also a much-prized symbol of Kenya's notable progress in arts and culture.
Paranomial Activity of Nairobi's National Theatre
The National Theatre of Nairobi is a hub for art and culture in the Hub of East Africa. It plays a major role in promoting the cultural heritage of Nairobi and the Kenyan people. It has 24/7 events ranging from theatrical performances to musical performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, conferences and more. Recently, it has opened a space for independent and intercultural communication. The National Theatre of Nairobi is the hub of performing arts but it also hosts activities that range from literary dinners to cinema nights. It has become a popular center for the youth and young adults of Nairobi to practice and showcase their talents. The theatre has become an important space for open dialogue and debate on the intercultural and intergenerational issues of the country. It provides a safe space for people to come together, share ideas, and celebrate moments of diversity. Not only does the theatre act as a platform to express different perspectives, it also provides entertainment for all ages. Furthermore, the theatre also holds educational events for students, giving them the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Kenya. With the various activities at the National Theatre of Nairobi, it has become an important part of Nairobian culture.
Experience of people & Reviews of Nairobi's National Theatre
People who have visited and experienced the National Theatre in Nairobi generally have very positive things to say. Most are impressed by the quality of the theater, especially the modern upgrades that have been implemented since its reopening in 2013. Many rave about the impressive production quality of the performances they see, as well as the comfortable and inviting atmosphere. People also comment on the helpfulness of the staff, the wide variety of performances available, and the convenient location. Overall, the majority of reviews are very positive and visitors tend to recommend it to others.
As you walk through the doors you could not help but wonder whether there are haunted places near me. FAQ'S of Nairobi's National Theatre
Q. What type of performances are held at Nairobi's National Theatre?
A. Nairobi's National Theatre hosts a variety of performances including plays, musicals, concerts, ballet, popular theatre, opera, symphony, and live comedy acts.
Q. Is there seating available at Nairobi's National Theatre?
A. Yes, the theatre features 1,200 seats in its main theatre space and several smaller auditoriums.
Q. When does the performance season usually begin at Nairobi's National Theatre?
A. The performance season usually begins in May and runs through October.
Q. Are there concession stands available?
A. Yes, there are numerous concession stands available that serve food and drinks.
Q. What are the general admission ticket prices for Nairobi's National Theatre?
A. General admission ticket prices start from KES 500. Prices may fluctuate depending on the show and seating arrangements.