Love and art have always danced together, entwining passion, vulnerability, and raw emotion.
Artists pour their souls into their work, paintings, poetry, music, theatre, and film, capturing the essence of love in its most beautiful and heartbreaking forms.
One such artistic expression unfolded at the Kenya National Theatre last weekend with Threads of Trust, a romantic comedy play by Igiza Arts Production.
The storyline followed Maia (Milkah Wangui) and Adam (Sam Ouma), a couple whose relationship was put to the test just a month before their wedding. Maia's discovery of suspicious messages on Adam’s phone sent her spiralling into doubt.
Despite his insistence that the texts were from his sister Ruth (Lydia Mamati), it later emerged that he was having an affair.
The play, penned and directed by Martin Abuya and produced by Wreiner Mandu, masterfully explored trust, communication, and the complexities of love, all while keeping the audience in fits of laughter.
But if you missed Threads of Trust, fret not. The Valentine’s season is bursting with art-centred experiences to indulge in. Whether poetry, theatre, dance, or film is your love language, there’s something for every art lover.
Poetry & Spoken Word: The Language of Love
At the Swahilipot Hub in Mombasa, Coffee & Cuddles: The Six Triple Eight Edition by P.A.L blends poetry, music, and dance into an intimate evening of artistic storytelling.
Inspired by Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight, poet Oliver Mwakio Maganga, alias Cardiac Poet, shares: “We are delivering letters that will give people closure in their lives.”
Meanwhile, at Alliance Française Nairobi, Red Party offers an emotionally charged poetry night alongside the launch of Scholastica Moraa’s book, When Love Says Goodbye. Scholastica hopes to remind audiences that: “Love hurts sometimes, but it is still a delightful thing. Poetry is heartbreakingly beautiful to read.”
Other poetry events include:
Love Letters by Female Poets KE at K.O Kraftroom (Feb 15)
Love Notes by Frankhie at The Code, Muthangari Drive (Feb 15)
Theatre: Love, Betrayal & Second Chances
For theatre enthusiasts, Cards on the Table, a thrilling heist-romance play directed by Victor Gakonye, stars Mufasa Kibet, Shirleen Wangari, and Nyakundi Isaboke, with a special appearance by songbird Bridget Blue.
Staged at Braeburn Theatres-Gitanga Road, the play follows a former couple scheming to rob a Valentine’s event.
At Kenyatta University’s Harambee Hall, The Anatomy of Us, written and produced by Wayne Mbudi, explores the dynamics of love through Matt (Charles Gachanja) and Sylvia (Precious Apidi).
For lovers of humor, Andu A Mumbi Production presents Rikia Ume (Finish and Go), a hilarious Gikuyu play about a man who squanders his Ksh 3M winnings, only to crawl back to his family when he’s broke. It runs at Ukumbi Mdogo, Kenya National Theatre, until Sunday.
Other theatrical treats include:
The Before by University of Nairobi Travelling Theatre
Risky Affair at Moi University Main Campus (Feb 14)
Film & Dance: Love on the Big Screen & Ballet Stage
David Mudachi’s romance film Love & Coffee premieres at I-Mx Cinemas, starring Wambui and Khula, and runs until Feb 20.
Meanwhile, Roses Are Dread by Teren Teren Production screens two short films and a play at KCA University, delving into themes of obsession, manipulation, and self-worth.
For ballet lovers, Dance Centre Kenya presents Romeo and Juliet at the Kenya National Theatre.
The performance features Keri Yamane from Brussels International Ballet and Edwin Ochieng from the University of North Carolina School for the Arts, promising a breathtaking rendition of Shakespeare’s timeless love tragedy.
Visual Arts: Love in Color & Canvas
Gavin Kendo’s Lost in a Day Dream exhibition at Alliance Française Nairobi is an artistic retreat into intimacy, fantasy, and introspection.
Through bold colours and expressive strokes, the collection captures the magic of daydreaming about love.
This Valentine’s season, these events promise unforgettable moments of passion, laughter, and reflection.
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