Wambui Bahati

In 1999, I attended an event at the YWCA in High Point, NC. I had no idea that I was witnessing the first of what would become a national phenomenon! Wambui Bahati presented, "I Am Domestic Violence". It was as inspiring, life-changing, thought-provoking, and relevant then as it is now. Wambui Bahati has empowered men and women alike! She has given people permission to tell their own stories and seek help when needed thereby healing wounds and saving lives. Counseling services at our college experienced an increase in student appointments as a result of having seen Ms. Bahati's performance which is powerful! It was such a pleasure to be able to share this edu-performance with our college and community! Some of the feedback from our audience members: I highly recommend Wambui Bahati and look forward to working with her again!

...Yet Rivers, who has appeared in such films as Zorro, Amistad and Hulk, did not even give the most dramatic presentation of the morning. His keynote address came after Greensboro, N.C., actor Wambui Bahati presented a part of her one-act play I Am Domestic Violence. Bahati, another survivor, took on the persona of abuse and loudly challenged the audience not to ignore the destruction it wreaks. With the use of various coats and blouses, she then assumed the role of seven different characters to illustrate that domestic violence knows no boundaries. "Somebody run and tell somebody," Bahati crooned. "This ain't how it's supposed to be."

Let me first say thank you for bringing your dynamic performance to Cleveland. People have been talking about it ever since. I have not seen anyone receive a standing ovation at our luncheons - but you certainly received a very long standing ovation. What a testament to the power of your performance. We are all wondering how we can top that next year. And I don't think we can. . . .

Her riveting performance is powerful. As an actress and singer. Bahati reached as many Olympian highs and lows in her show as she did in her life. At times it is shocking in its intensity. Other times it is funny.

We recently had Wambui Bahati come to Port Huron to do her show Balancing Act. It was absolutely amazing. It far surpassed even our wildest expectations. It was fabulous, it was professional and it touched everyone in the audience. It left us wishing we had booked her for two days because I think many people would have come to see her a second day - or word of mouth would have really expanded the audience the next day. We were very happy with the attendance. We had over 400 people. Wambui and the musicians came back to our clubhouse and met with people, signed autographs and spoke to them personally. They were very personable. It was just an all-around wonderful experience. The performance was met with a standing ovation from the crowd. We couldn't be happier.

You were so awesome! I couldn't have asked for a more personable, entertaining, gracious and energetic presenter! With over 300 in attendance, I know you had an impact on many others. These were posted by some of my students -- both males and females, high school through middle-aged: ". . . I thought the performance was excellent. She got everybody into it from the beginning by starting in the audience and she keep everybody's attention, it was really good . . ." ". . . I thought Wambui Bahati's performance was incredible. She did an amazing job distinguishing between characters and keeping the performance humorous yet serious at the same time. She could make a character funny while still sending a serious message to her viewers. She raised awareness to the issue of domestic violence in an entertaining way . . ." "Wanted to let someone know some of the impact Thursday night's play [I Am Domestic Violence] had on victims and abusers. I brought 4 women to the play from a treatment center. Three were victims, one was an abuser. After the play, we had a group session to process the reflections and feelings they were experiencing. They all 4 loved the evening, the play was so powerful . . . There were awesome testimonies to the strength they got from watching themselves on stage . . ."

I would like to thank you again for your terrific performance. I received several calls later in the week . . . they are raving about how enjoyable it was. 'Who was the woman, she was great!'.

I am stil hearing wonderful feedback about you and your presentation and I am very thankful that I was able to get you back here to Madison.

The Plaque Presented to Wambui Reads: "In grateful appreciation for your outstanding "I Am Domestic Violence" presentation. Your play was captivating and your openness in sharing your personal experiences made a deep impression on all of us. Thanks to you I am sure that everyone left with a greater understanding of the seriousness of domestic abuse and more equipped to recognize and prevent emotional and physical abuse. Thank you for being a part of our Domestic Abuse Prevention Month. The Soldiers and civilians of Fort Detrick are in your debt."