Class of 2024: Warimi Karogo

Warimi Karogo has always loved the art of storytelling and fondly remembers her breakthrough moment in her primary school days when she played Baloo in a performance of the Jungle Book.

But it is at Essex where Warimi has begun to realise her passion for writing, and she now hopes to see her play, Mine/ors, come to life on stage at the Lakeside Theatre later this year.

The play is a powerful story delving into the links between climate change and imperialism, colonialism and racism; focusing on exploitive mining and genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“I decided to use my African rage to create something meaningful and beautiful for stage,” Warimi said.

“We all have a responsibility as dramaturgs to consider the environment in our creative practice at every stage. From devising to sourcing props and costumes, to whether they use paper straws at the theatre.

“We are all responsible for our planet and the people in it, we are all connected.”

On her hopes for Mine/Ors, Warimi added: “I would love to put it on stage… possibly even turn it into a screenplay for television.

“At the moment I am not sure whether that will be in Kenya, England or possibly even South Africa. But I know wherever I go, my plan is to continue taking up space and using my voice.”

Warimi was inspired to study at Essex thanks to its high ranking in drama and the similarities she saw between the green, spacious Colchester campus and her home in Nairobi, Kenya.

She will have family from Kenya, as well as the United States, flying to the UK to watch her graduate with a BA Drama this summer.

Despite the initial struggle to adapt to life in England, and suffering with Imposter Syndrome in her first year, Warimi has grown in confidence throughout her time at Essex and credits a number of lecturers from the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre Studies (LiFTS) for helping her find her voice.

She said: “The lecturers in the LiFTs department are the most dedicated, kind and considerate teachers I've had. They truly want to not only teach but learn from the students.

“Having lecturers who are actively working in the theatre industry and producing their own bodies of work brings an invaluable authenticity to the learning.

“Studying drama is studying life and the world we live in; these classes will not only change your creative practice but your life.”