How AI is rewriting schools’ drama scripts
Drama teachers and trainers perform a Dholuo cultural dance during the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival workshop at Kisumu Girls High School on November 26, 2025.
Ethical concerns have emerged in the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival as scriptwriters turn to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their creative pieces.
This has also raised questions about the place of creativity in art.
Although there are no guidelines on the use of AI, organisers are eager to explore ways of exposing scriptwriters and producers to new technologies.
In an interview, some adjudicators who spoke to the Nation on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said there was evidence of AI use in some of the pieces presented by some institutions.
“In my opinion, this amounts to cheating because some people get undue advantage over others by presenting art which they have not created,” one adjudicator said.
However, some officials have a different view. They feel that drama and film teachers in schools, colleges and universities need to be trained on AI use.
The officials said this would help scriptwriters to produce drama pieces and films effectively, and at a lower cost. They also said AI assists in brainstorming and character development. It also aids in creating set decoration concepts as well as reducing logistical hurdles.
The Department of Literature at the University of Nairobi had organised a workshop for teachers last month, but it never took place. The chair of the Department of Literature, Prof Miriam Musonye, said the university wants to equip teachers with skills to keep pace with new technologies.
The secretary of the Association of Film Producing Educational Institutions of Kenya, Mr Vincent Akuka, said AI will boost producers’ work.
“AI tools are increasingly shaping contemporary film workflows globally, making it essential for educators and film-makers to align film production and teaching with current professional standards,” he said.
Mr Akuka said that teachers need to be trained on how AI generates, enhances, or modifies visual elements to create realistic digital environments, as well as text-to-video generation for rapid prototyping.
He also said scriptwriters should be trained on the benefits and challenges of using AI in production. He listed benefits such as increased creative freedom for independent scriptwriters and faster workflows.
However, there are ethical issues and potential for copyright infringements, and risks to artistic authenticity.
While AI can enhance the overall quality of a production, impressing the audience by generating special effects and providing producers with new tools and techniques to explore and experiment with, it can also lack human touch and depth.
Kenya National Drama and Film Festival Executive Secretary Janet Langat.
Meanwhile, Kenya National Drama and Film Festival Executive Secretary Janet Langat said this year’s film categories will include music videos, podcasts and live broadcast (on stage, where actors mimic news broadcasters) with “news” of their choice.
Ms Langat also said the use of standard backdrop backcloths will be piloted during the national championship.
“The pilot will be conducted to enable a smooth transition. The findings from this pilot will inform the future direction,” she said.
Backdrops are painted canvas props that are placed at the back of the stage, depicting a scene or scenes that help amplify the theme of a production. Some producers say they are essential, but others think they are unnecessary and costly.
The pilot programme of doing away with backdrops (also referred to as back-cloths) will be tried at the national level of the festivals.
The use of elaborate sets and props is a costly affair, both in their production and transportation. Some institutions hire extra vehicles to transport backdrops, sets and props to drama venues, and officials of the drama festival feel that this can be avoided by not having them on stage. Backdrops will be the first to go if the experiment at this year’s nationals succeeds.
However, according to Ms Langat, participants have been allowed to use them at the zonal, county and regional editions of the festival this year.
‘’Regional and all other lower levels are hereby advised to continue applying the previous rules on stage use until further communication is issued,’’ she said.
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