For the new Theatre Factory, the sky is the limit

When the comedy outfit Theatre Factory split early this year, the news came as a shock to revellers who had thronged the National Theatre for years, but thanks to Phillip Luswata, the group is back on their feet and more entertaining than ever. Caesar Abangirah looks at the leading men and women of the current outfit

For six years, Theatre Factory cracked the ribs of many with their wry humour and wit. However, at the start of this year, the group went their separate ways, leaving most wondering what would become of the pioneers of comedy in the country. But the proprietor and one of the two “survivors”, Phillip Luswata, was not going to sit back and see an institution he had built for half a decade crumble.

332 energetic actors and actresses took part in the February 8-9 auditions to find new faces. The 24 finalists were taken through rigorous training and with the audience’s help, those that could not fit the bill were eliminated. That audition gave birth to the new Theatre Factory, which now plies its trade in the National Theatre auditorium.

Phillip Luswata
He is one of the founders and currently serves as the company’s Creative Director. A writing fellow of London’s Royal Court Theatre, Philip is a former lecturer at Makerere University and holds a Diploma in Music, Dance and Drama from Makerere University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama and a Masters in Communication from Leeds University. He shot to prominence as the only Ugandan actor on the South African syndicated TV Series, Egoli.

Since then, he has gone on to write and act in various TV dramas, prominent among which are Centre IV and Makutano Junction, produced in Kenya. Philip brings mime to life on stage. His grasp of mime sees him create vivid objects out of thin air, from items as small as the campusers’ rolex, to riding an invisible bicycle!

Sam Okello Kelo
Adorably called Oks by Comedy Nite patrons, Sam Okello is probably one of the most versatile performing artistes currently on the scene. With more than 20 years of performing as a thespian, choreographer and dancer with Ndere Troupe, Sam is renowned not only for his great performances in previous film roles in The Last King of Scotland and The Silent Army, but he also carries hilarious standup routines with Theatre Factory. His acts explore the lives around us and often carry a funny moral. You can be sure to enjoy not only a hilarious look at life in his standup routine, but also pick up a moral or two at the end of the day. Outside collaborating with Theatre Factory, Sam continues his passion for mentoring younger artistes through musical and dance performances, hosted every Sunday by Mzizi Cultural troupe at Barbeque Lounge in Centenary Park. Sam Okello currently serves as the production manager at National Theatre.

Edwin Mukalazi
A graduate of Drama at Makerere University and holder of a certificate in TV and Radio Production, this 29-year-old has a formidable stage presence and a great talent of delivering sketch comedy peppered with hilarious one-liners. With his multilingual abilities, it’s not uncommon to see him engaging the audience while effortlessly acting in French, English and Luganda. He has recently starred in a leading role in Wycliffe Kiyingi’s play Muduuma Kwe Kwaffe, held as part of the commemoration of 50 years of the existence of the National Theatre.

Alan Tumusiime
He was a member of the off-stage crew before their split. A professional contemporary dancer, Tumusiime started acting about four years ago. His major breakthrough was the lead role in the Henry Ssali film, Kiwani, the Movie. He also acted in a yet-to-be released movie, Bullion. According to the 26-year-old comedian, who has also had stints as a TV and radio presenter, Phillip Luswata is his idol. “Theatre Factory has helped me develop professionally,” he says.
With big plans, such as landing roles in Hollywood, finally being on stage might just be the needed boost.

Sharon Besige
Born 23 years ago, Sharon has been acting since day one. Literally. A cast member of a number of school plays, Sharon says her love for acting cannot be measured. When not acting, she will probably be reading a novel or making new friends. Like the rest of the cast, this young talented actress from Tooro looks up to Luswata. “I love the way he relates with us. It is professional,” she says. If she were a boy, she’d probably want to be like him. But she has other plans of her own. As a graduate of Human Psychology, she hopes to use her skills to counsel troubled souls.
Simon Kivumbi
Simon has created his niche in acting circles. This has seen him land roles both on stage and screen. His resume reads the Obsessions’ Tears Of My Soul and To Love Is To Die, and movies like Master on Duty and an upcoming film, That Small Piece. But this has not deterred him from pursuing his Mass Communication degree. Eventually, when he is done with school, the 21-year-old funny-man will probably pursue a career in radio or television on top of acting.

Carolyn Kunihira
“Funny. Very funny” is how one of the revellers at last week’s show described Carol, aka Pumba. But not only “funny” makes a good comedian. She is unlike any of the other actors; maybe because she does not boast an acting background like the rest. Or maybe because of her “mega-bonus” size, which she says drives her to do things her relatively smaller companions do, or even better them. The accountant by profession is Uganda’s version of Oscar-nominated Gabourey Sidibe.
“My first experience was with Theatre Factory. And it is an experience that has been quite interesting and hilarious. I would not trade anything for it,” she says.

Adnan Ssenkumba
He describes himself as a simple handsome young man. His career began at the age of 16 in a school play. At 22, Adnan has been involved in a couple of plays and movies including the 2008 Maisha Film Lab movie Dawa. Maisha is a nonprofit training initiative for emerging film makers. He is also one of the regular cast members of NTV’s Tricksters. He has managed to train students in various schools too.
Apart from acting, Adnan has also developed as a sound designer, a trade he learnt at the 2010 Maisha Film Lab. When not acting or sound designing, he will probably be talking to God. And he does this a lot.

Barbrah Namuddu Annah
Often referred to as the “actress with the big bottom” by Theatre Factory’s regular patrons, Barbrah is multitalented. She is an actress, a computer specialist and is currently pursuing a degree in finance and investment analysis. She has featured in different plays at the National Theatre, notably Black Mamba and Lady Will You Marry Me. She has also directed a play known called Tough Choices by Erina Tusingwire. She, like Allan, was with the group before the breakup. Then, she was the office administrator. The breakup gave her an opportunity to get onto stage. Now, even her fans have a name for her.

Rogers William Otako
His surname is a topic for another day. His high flying acting career is the interest for now. Molded by the surroundings of Naguru, Otako says he grew up seeing pain. This inspired him to be what he is today. And even though he is still in his “infancy”, he has done more for the community than some older actors have in a lifetime. Currently, he works with Naguru Teenage Centre, where he counsels as well as writes plays for their drama wing. But before that, he had stints with Youth Stars, City Comedians and acted with YEAH in the True Manhood Campaign. According to Otako, he was inspired by Luswata. “I remember those 2002 United Assurance adverts that he featured in. We used to discuss them over and over again in school,” he says. “And one way or another, I just wanted to act like him.”
His dream was made possible through the auditions. At Theatre Factory, he will not shy away from any role. He has even ventured into editing. If you want to be on his bad side, tell him he is a failure. Because he is not.

Isaac Muwawu
He’s probably the Jjaja of the group because he was one of the founders, and because he is 50 years old, with about three decades of acting experience.
Muwawu acted with United Players before moving to Ngabo Players and later The Pigeons, which he started in the early 80s. He became a private actor in 1988 after The Pigeons wound up. His notable plays are Lwaki, Zabu, Empetta, and Stories of War, which was showcased at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 2003. He has acted in the series Centre IV and Mukutano Junction and a short film Dawa in the 2008 Maisha Film Lab. His skills as a director and actor will probably help the up and coming actors of the group.