When State fears truth, art becomes a threat
Journalists barred from entering Melvin Jones Hall to cover the Butere Girls' performance of their controversial play 'Echoes of War'.
The incident in which heavily armed police officers blocked Butere Girls High School from performing their play “Echoes of War” at the national drama festivals is a clear sign that this government has completely lost its moral compass. This is a government determined to silence voices that speak the truth.
Echoes of War is a play that reflects the harsh realities of our nation, a reality many know but few in power want to confront. It is no secret that during last year’s Gen Z demonstrations, over 60 innocent young people were killed in cold blood. To date, some of those who were abducted remain missing, leaving their families in agony and despair.
When did our government fall this low? When did it become an enemy of its own people? It is time for the government to stop abducting, torturing and killing innocent youth whose only crime is standing up against a rogue regime.
Art has always been a mirror of society. It reflects reality. The era of fear and intimidation is long gone. The government should focus on delivering quality services to its citizens.
Good governance will naturally inspire artists to create plays that praise their leadership. But when oppression reigns, art will always respond with criticism rooted in truth.
Instead of suppressing the voices of the youth, the government must strive to create a country that inspires hope, not fear. Only then will the stories told on stage turn from cries of pain to songs of praise.
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