Drama Festival lays bare society’s realities with wit, wisdom

The sixth day of the ongoing Kenya National Drama and Film Festival sustained the passion, creativity, and unflinching commentary on pressing social issues.

From biting satire to heartwarming cultural performances, schools delivered spirited showcases that entertained while provoking thought.

Riara School from Nairobi set a powerful tone with their play Bottle Traps, a poignant reflection on the devastating grip of alcoholism. Produced by Jane Mulinge, the production lays bare how alcohol addiction continues to tear families apart and rob individuals of their potential.

From Makueni County, Mwaani Girls brought laughter and wisdom in equal measure with their oral narrative Mutulu. The tale follows a student believed to be a slow learner - so much so that when asked a question at lunchtime, she answers the next day at supper. Her witty response to a question on converting kilometres to metres - “just remove the kilos and remain with metres” - had the audience in stitches.

However, the story takes a thoughtful turn, revealing that Mutulu is not slow but simply in need of specialised learning support. The piece was produced by Dr Elizabeth Mutinda and choreographed by Sidney Chazima.

On Friday, Maranda High School set the pace with their riveting narrative MakMende, exposing the sorry state of the country’s healthcare system.

Narrated by Hussein Mohammed and Bill Thoya, and produced by Dr Edwin Namachanja, the story follows Desmond Ng’uono, a student diagnosed with a strange chest condition. A misdiagnosis at a local Level 5 hospital leads to a costly journey to India, only to discover the actual problem was not in his chest - but in the hospital’s X-ray machine, infested with cockroaches.

The production, written by Brian Ong’iyo and directed by Joshua Okoth and Janet Awuor, painted a darkly humorous but sobering portrait of medical negligence.

Shadrack Kimalel Secondary School from Nairobi County showcased Musiti, a vibrant Luhya cultural dance. Written and choreographed by Saumu Sabina and produced by Chief Principal Beatrice Shirao, the performance followed a female hawker struggling with city council officers. Her fortunes turn when she embraces e-marketing, allowing her to sell her wares without harassment while contributing to a cleaner city.

From the Coast region, Vitengeni Baptist School impressed with their Kiswahili play Samawati, a tale of rivalry and innovation. Sama, the protagonist, passionately pursues a science project to preserve marine life, while Wati, the son of a minister, attempts to sabotage the project for personal gain. Ultimately, integrity triumphs.

Tetu Technical and Vocational College struck an emotional chord with their choral verse Mateso ya Ugenini, scripted by James Murunga and produced by Catherine Gikonyo. It explored the plight of Kenyan workers in the Middle East, many of whom falsify certificates only to struggle under harsh conditions when reality sets in.

Mount Kenya University contributed The Tempest, a drama on the politics of national resource distribution, directed by Brammuel Asige Silingi.

Kabarak University’s Missing the Mark delved into the subjective awarding of marks in universities, questioning academic fairness and integrity.
Moi Girls Marsabit, affectionately known as the Desert Queens, brought energy and pride with a traditional cultural dance, drawing enthusiastic applause.

Meanwhile, a new genre debuted at Lohana Hall - live broadcast theatre. It quickly became the talk of Nakuru. The audience, buzzing with curiosity, witnessed a stellar performance by Kitengela International Schools. 

The production mimicked a live television interview, featuring Brian Mwendwa as a composed host discussing urban farming under the Competency-Based Curriculum with guest speaker Shavonne Evitta.

The discussion was enriched by projected visuals of rabbits and chickens, adding a professional, documentary-style touch. Directed by Nashon Omukhobero and produced by Elizabeth Gati, the piece impressed with its originality and seamless execution.

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