Itierio School shines in Kisii drama fete, eyes national win

A play on how selfishness and individualism hinder the achievement of national cohesion and integration moved the audience during the Kisii County Secondary Schools Drama Festival held at Nyabururu Teachers Training College.

It was performed by Itierio Boys High School from Kisii County during the four-day drama festivals that ended on Friday.

The highlight of the event was ‘Pandemonium’, a play written and directed by Franklin Nyambane and produced by Isaac Okeyo, the school’s principal, which won amid tough competition.

In the play, Solomon, acted by Mohamed Aden, is in a dilemma as he can only save either his twin sister Pamela or step-sister Precious who are in critical medical conditions.

NATIONAL COHESION

The play explores the effects of selfishness and individualism in achieving national cohesion and integration.

"I am optimistic that this play will make it to the National Drama Festival in Nairobi," said Mr Nyambane, the artistic director and drama patron at Itierio Boys.

The themes that dominated the day’s plays included national cohesion, democracy and the electoral process, environmental conversation and drug and substance abuse.

Masongo modern vreative dance directed and choreographed by Dr George Areba and produced by Lawrence Otiso thrilled the audience.

The dance highlighted the thorny issue of drug abuse in schools and its effects on the academic and social life of students.

The creative and modern dance techniques intertwined in the story made the dance to get a standing ovation from thespians.

Masongo solo verse entitled ‘Red Rage’ scripted and directed by Dr Areba condemns excessive use of force by the security agenciesto deal with demonstrations especially during general elections.

The Verse is produce by Lawrence Otiso.

UPCOMING SCHOOLS

Most of the schools which performed well in the festivals and qualified for the regional drama festival are upcoming day and boarding schools.

These included Masongo Secondary School and Mobamba Secondary School, among others.

“As Kisii County drama fraternity, we are looking forward to putting a spirited fight on the regional stage from 13 to 17. Luckily, Kisii County is hosting the Lake Region Drama Festival. Kisii County is the giant county in the region with 11 sub-counties,” remarked the executive secretary, Dr Areba.

Events Chairman Norman Sasati said, “This year we started our activities in the drama calendar by holding a very successful county drama workshop which enriched drama patrons enormously.’

‘’I salute the county education office for their efficient coordination of drama activities, Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association Kisii County for continuous sponsorship of the festivals and artistic directors of various schools for working tirelessly to ensure that their productions are polished to grace this occasion,’’ Mr Sasati said.

WINNERS:

Modern creative dance: 1 Iterio Girls, 2. Masongo Secondary School, 3. Nyatieko Secondary School.

Solo verse: 1. Nyamonaria, 2. Cardinal Otunga High School, 3. Masongo Secondary School.

Choral verse: 1. Kisii School, 2. Mobamba Secondary School, 3. Kioge Girls.

Cultural creative dance: 1. Sengera Girls, 2. Bobaracho Secondary School, 3. Igorera Secondary School.

Plays: 1. Iterio Boys, 2. Nyakoiba, 3. Mobamba.

Narrative: 1 Mobamba Secondary School, 2. Gesabakwa Secondary School, 3. Kisii School.

Comedy: 1. Bogeka Secondary School, 2. Mobamba Secondary School, 3. Magena Girls Secondary School.