Talent galore as students compete in national drama festival
Kenyatta University students present a choral verse during the Kenya National Drama Festival at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi on April 6, 2018. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION
What you need to know:
- This year, close to 10,000 competitors drawn from primary and secondary schools as well as teacher training colleges, technical institutions and universities are seeking the top national honours with their plays; cultural and modern dances; solo and choral verses; stand-up comedy; oral narratives and singing games.
- There is enough on the menu for discerning lovers of performing arts and what is more, the shows are open to the public.
- All entries will be judged on how they present the theme for the year: 'Enhancing national cohesion and integration through theatre and film'.
Schools may be closing but all their buses — newly painted yellow — are heading to Nairobi carrying the regional winners of the drama festival. This year, the 59th edition of the Kenya National and Film Festival is being hosted in County number 47 and already, the action has started on a high note at Lenana School, State House Girls High School, Dagoretti High School and Moi Girls High School, which are hosting the different events of the festival.
All entries will be judged on how they present the theme for the year: 'Enhancing national cohesion and integration through theatre and film'. Students are expected to tackle themes such as leadership and governance, health and social challenges.
Asumbi Teachers' Training College from Nyanza presents a play titled 'Mwisho wa kosa' during the Kenya National Drama Festival at State House Girls' High School on April 6, 2018. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION
COMPETITION
This year, close to 10,000 competitors drawn from primary and secondary schools as well as teacher training colleges, technical institutions and universities are seeking the top national honours with their plays; cultural and modern dances; solo and choral verses; stand-up comedy; oral narratives and singing games.
There is enough on the menu for discerning lovers of performing arts and what is more, the shows are open to the public.
Maasai Mara University students present a play titled 'Devil's decoy' during the Kenya National Drama Festival at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi on April 6, 2018. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION
Among those competing for the top prize in the film category are Lions and Nasokol Girls high schools and Kamandura Girls. All tackle contemporary themes such as the adverse effects of female circumcision and drug abuse.
Among the films already screened were from Ortum Girls, Tumutumu Girls, St Mary’s Mutitu High School, Kericho High, Boma Boys, St Charles Lwanga, Othaya Boys, Ngaita Girls, Moi Girls Kabartonjo, St Mary’s Narok, Koilel Girls and Kieganguru secondary.
Kagumo Teachers' Training College presents a play titled 'Return the gown' during the Kenya National Drama Festival at State House Girls High School on April 6, 2018. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION
On Saturday, Mwaani Girls High School will be showing their feature film, “Judas”, starting at 8.30am.
Larmudiac High School will also show a film a about bullying. The principal, Mr James Wanjohi, said this was the school’s debut participation in the category.
Maasai Mara University students present a play titled 'Devil's decoy' during the Kenya National Drama Festival at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi on April 6, 2018. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION
Last year, Juja Preparatory School emerged winners in the play category with their production, “Back to my Roots”.
The play was about a wayward boy whose parents felt that he should be taken upcountry to learn more about his culture.
