Schools shine in drama festival at regional stage

Nyeri National Polytechnic moved the audience with the play The Beast of Kalcuta during the Mt Kenya West Technical and Vocational Centres Regional Drama and Film Festival at Murang’a Teachers Training College on Friday and Saturday.

The play shows the effects of bad leadership on a country and its citizens. The production explores the transformative power of technology during a catastrophe.

Set in the ghetto of Kalcuta after a dam failure, it follows Nashipai, a visionary determined to honour her deceased husband’s legacy.

Tetu Technical and Vocational Centre presented a play on good governance in schools. The theme was replicated in the items presented by Michuki National Polytechnic, Nyandarua National Polytechnic and Mukurweini, Kigumo, Kipiripiri and Murang’a Technical Colleges.

Meanwhile, the Nairobi Sub-County Drama and Film Festival lived up to its billing. The controversial livestock vaccination became the highlight of the day during the festival at Komarock Girls School.

State House Boys’ modern dance captivated the audience by exploring the pros and cons of livestock vaccination. The performance skillfully navigates the disputes surrounding the issue. The dance was produced and directed by Mr Vincent Atuka.

The new kid on the block, State House Boys, sailed through with four items – modern dance, spoken word, choral verse and stand-up comedy.

St George’s Girls School was top in the play category, Riara Girls was second, State House Girls third, while the fourth place was taken by Nairobi School.

Prof SP Otieno, one of the adjudicators, said scriptwriting needs to be improved. He, however, admitted that the choral verse is of high quality.

“Many playwrights have resorted to episodic scripting in an attempt to mislead the adjudicators,” he said, urging directors and producers to focus on clear communication with their audience instead of struggling to impress the judges.

The Mwala Sub-County Drama Festival in Machakos County at Mbaikini School saw key performances in Kiswahili, a choice that thrilled the audience. The top three plays were in Kiswahili.

Plays by Tumaini School and Masii Boys captivated the audience. The performances with their strong performances and clear communication on stage.

Masii School’s choral verse Makuritu Makuruhu is about the bad behaviour of some boda bodas. It qualified for the Machakos County festival that begins on Tuesday.

The Nairobi Regional Drama Festival will be at Moi Girls High School from March 10 to 15, according to Mr Akuka.

The Nairobi Primary and JSS Regional Drama Festival was at Dr Livingstone Primary School.

The themes included protecting children against online abuse, universal health coverage, what children in slums go through and using technology to nurture learners’ potential in creative arts in the Competency-Based Curriculum.

Alyssa Njeri of Moi Forces Academy presented a solo verse titled Daddy, which is produced by Jacqueline Okwaro.

The verse highlights the emotional turmoil of children when their parents fight.

“Let us avoid arguments in front of children wherever possible,” the persona says as the verse ends.

Other winners included Moi Forces Academy, which won in the cultural dance category, along with Heshima Road and Nairobi River.

Muthurwa JSS won in the spoken word category, followed by Moi Forces Academy.

A new category, live broadcast, debuted at the festival, with Moi Forces Academy taking the lead, followed by Zawadi Junior and Heshima Road in third place. Adjudicator Joram Ojwang’ commended the trainers for their commendable work and reminded them that the festivals must remain child-centred.

“We have seen adult themes dominating the stage, exposing students to very heavy topics, whereas that is not what the festival is about,” he noted.

The film genre at the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival has been revised, with every sector being allocated one or two extra entries at the national level. The Kenya National Drama and Film Festival continues to serve as a beacon of creativity, artistic expression, and cultural enrichment.

 For decades, the festival has provided a platform for both young and seasoned artists to showcase their talents in drama, film, dance, poetry, mime, singing games, and spoken word, celebrating Kenya’s rich diversity and unique narratives.

As these genres continue to evolve, festival officials have expanded the event to accommodate the growing artistic talents of young people. Mr James Indimuli, the Executive Secretary of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival and now the Director of Quality Assurance and Standards at the Ministry of Education Headquarters, released a calendar that brings welcome news to filmmakers at the festival.

 JSS, a platform for young secondary school students, has been allocated two extra entries, while universities and TVETs will receive one additional entry each. For instance, in the feature film category, secondary schools will now have six feature entries, while JSS will have three at the national level. Tertiary institutions, teacher training colleges, TVETs, and universities will each receive three slots.

In a letter to all regional film coordinators, the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival confirmed that the entries, as released by Mr Indimuli, allocate four entries for secondary schools in the advert category, while JSS and primary schools receive three each.

This year’s festival is expected to be of higher quality in both stage and film productions, as directors have been deeply immersed in preparation since the conclusion of the directors’ national workshop. Unlike previous years, when directors would socialise and exchange ideas after regional workshops, many have retreated into intensive rehearsals with their students and pupils. It is anticipated that elite directors such as Oliver Minishi, known as a master of words and characterisation, Joe Murungu, renowned for his metaphorical productions, and the prolific Cleophas Malala will stand out at this year’s festival, slated to be held at Afraha Secondary School in Nakuru.

 Other distinguished directors include Charity Muraguri of Teachers’ Training Colleges, known for her expertise in Kikuyu cultural creative dances, Joseph Akwiri from Kichaka Simba Girls and Malindi School, and Stella Mang’uu of Kitui TTC.