Voices of the Silent: Sarakasi Trust’s Bold Artistic Stand Against GBV

In the heart of Nairobi’s most marginalized neighborhoods, a revolution took the stage not with protest signs or political speeches, but with dance, spoken word, acrobatics, and soul-stirring music.

The Sarakasi All Stars, in partnership with Africalia Belgium, brought to life a powerful and emotionally charged production titled Voices of the Silent a performance that not only entertained, but educated, healed, and called an entire society to action.

From Jericho to Mathare and finally Kayole, community members gathered in open spaces to witness a kind of performance rarely seen in these areas: one that gave voice to survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), empowered communities with information, and ignited much-needed conversations around a deeply stigmatised issue.

“For the Voices of the Silent project, our main agenda was to create awareness and open up dialogue around GBV. We realized many of these cases happen behind closed doors, and people don’t talk,” explains Lilian Mwari, the Managing Director of Sarakasi Trust.

“We worked with activists, legal practitioners, case workers, and most importantly, survivors. And what we saw was transformational.”

READ ALSO: Inaugural Nomadic Arts Festival Successfully Held at Oshwal Centre

The production was not just storytelling it was story-living. The narratives performed were drawn directly from real-life experiences collected during community outreach visits. “We did auditions from the stories we got in the field.

These weren’t fictional characters, they were voices we had met people who had lived these traumas,” Lilian adds. “From there, we built the concept, assembled a cast of poets, musicians, acrobats, and spoken word artists, and worked tirelessly for seven weeks under the direction of Coaches Edu and Oscar to bring the production to life.”

And bring it to life they did.

Voices of the Silent unfolded as a seamless tapestry of emotion and expression—where the power of movement met the gravity of testimony. From haunting monologues to lyrical poems and intense acrobatic sequences that visually represented internal turmoil, the performance was a visceral experience for performers and audiences alike.

For one of the dancers Maurice Oduor, participating in the show was nothing short of transformative. “It was healing for me to be part of this production,” he shares. “I was telling not just my story, but stories that so many people in our community carry silently. After the performance, victims came forward to talk. People opened up in ways they never had before.”

READ ALSO: Global Voices Unite in Nairobi for Culture Grows Symposium 2025

This was not just performance for applause—it was performance with purpose. Following each show, a dedicated panel discussion was held featuring GBV experts, community counselors, legal advisors, and survivors. These sessions allowed the audience to ask questions, seek help, and gain clarity on what GBV is, how it manifests, and—critically—what victims can do.

“There was a lot of emotion. Raw, painful stories came out. And one thing became clear: GBV isn’t just a women’s issue. Men came forward, too, with their own painful experiences. We often forget that they also suffer in silence,” Lilian emphasises.

The conversations went beyond the usual legal jargon. Attendees were informed about where and how to report GBV cases, the steps to take if they or someone they know is affected, and the resources available in their communities. “The impact was immense,” Lilian reflects. “People left not just entertained, but informed—and in some cases, empowered to take action.”

Thanks to support from Africalia Belgium, the initiative was able to reach underserved areas, where access to formal GBV education and support is often limited.

“This was a grassroots campaign. We wanted to reach the people who are usually left out of such discussions,” Lilian explains.

The show’s powerful message was amplified by its dynamic artistic elements. Acrobats tumbled through the air to depict chaos and struggle, musicians underscored key moments with emotive melodies, and spoken word artists delivered searing truths that hung in the air long after the applause had ended.

By blending creative disciplines, Voices of the Silent succeeded in breaking down the walls that often make such topics taboo. “Art allows us to talk about the things that are hardest to say,” says one spoken word performer. “It creates empathy. When people see a story performed, they begin to understand that it could be their sister, their brother, their neighbor—or even themselves.”

This production is just the latest in Sarakasi Trust’s long-standing commitment to using the performing arts for social change. Known for their vibrant dance and acrobatics, the group is now carving a niche in activist art that speaks to pressing societal issues.

“As artists, we mirror society,” Lilian concludes. “Our role goes beyond entertaining. We have a duty to reflect, to educate, and to heal. With Voices of the Silent, we wanted to give voice to those who have suffered too long in silence, and to remind society that violence thrives in secrecy. It’s time we start talking.”

And talk they did, through music, motion, poetry, and power. Voices of the Silent was more than a show. It was a movement. One that is only just beginning.