WOLE TO READ AFRICAN PLAYS ON BBC

Wole Soyinka will judge the 2010 BBC World Service African Drama competition.
The highly respected Nigerian professor, writer, poet, playwright and Nobel Literature Laureate will be on the panel of judges at the BBC World Service’s 50th season of African radio drama BBC African performance launch.
Listeners have until February 15, 2009 to enter their plays, which must be half an hour long when read aloud and have no more than six main characters.
Plays that are short-listed will be read by Soyinka, who will make the final decision. The winners will be announced on March 1, 2009.
Soyinko believes the BBC’s season of African radio drama penetrates Africa’s borders.
“In one fell swoop – they listen in Zimbabwe at the same time as in Sudan, South Africa, Nigeria and Sierra Leone,” he points out. “And this is definitely a crossing of boundaries in a way that even the written word on its own might not have.”
By way of celebrating five decades of African radio drama excellence on the BBC World Service, Soyinko has agreed to judge the contest this year.
BBC World Service English drama producer for Africa Jenny Horrocks says, “We are looking forward to new brilliant entries from our audiences.”

KENYAN ACTORS STAR IN NEW BBC MOVIE WITH HOLLYWOOD STARS

A BBC Films was shot on location in Kenya two weekends ago and it predominately features the crème of Kenyan actors.
The movie, The First Grader follows the life of the late 84-year-old Kimani Nganga Maruge who attempted to take advantage of a government initiative to give free elementary school education for all. Initially denied access to go the school with his fellow first graders, Maruge eventually took the government on in court.
The heart-warming drama was shot on location at Matasya and our source says, “Initially Maruge’s role was to be played by Morgan Freeman, but due to logistics he was replaced by Oliver Litondo. And that’s not it, RnB crooner Neyo will also make an appearance, but that is yet to be confirmed.”

Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man’s Chest and Tomb Raider actress Naomie Harris is cast as Jane Obinchu she will act alongside Kenyan casts members like John Sibi-Okumu who plays the Chairman on board, Melvin Alusa plays Mr Njeri's Aide, poet and reality show contestant Cindy Ogana cast as the Rasta girl and Makutano Junction’s Ainea Ojiambo who plays the Educational Officer.


Another surprise actor, comedian Churchill plays the role of Masha, a matatu tout and DJ who has a string of relationships with some of the teachers in a local school. Speaking to Word is Churchill said, “The movie is basically trying to portray what happens in this country. I like the story line. It’s international. This movie is going to change cinematography in this country. I decided to take the role because in this industry, you need to build a healthy resume. I have to venture into these things and I’m seeing myself doing more movies in future.”