End of the Beginning by Makumi Joel K.

End of the Beginning is a poignant and powerful one-act play by Joel Kamani Makumi, a notable work in East African drama and literature. Set in a Kikuyu village immediately following the Mau Mau Emergency (known locally as "the troubles"), the play explores the profound emotional and social impact of the conflict on the people who lived through it.

The central theme is the personal sorrow of a mother who is unable to cope with the loss of her son during the Emergency. Her grief is beautifully and effectively woven into the wider tribulation and struggle of the community to move forward and heal. It is a compelling piece of theatre that addresses memory, loss, resilience, and the difficult transition from a time of armed struggle to one of peace and rebuilding. It is frequently studied in schools and colleges for its historical context and powerful, well-developed themes.