DRAMA REVIEW: Students take centre stage to challenge tradition, injustice and social change

Kenyan learners are turning the theatre stage  into a powerful arena for social reflection, using storytelling, dance and spoken word to confront some of society’s most pressing issues — from gender equality and cultural traditions to justice, mental health, family conflict and educational inequality.

During the week-long Kenya National Drama and Film Festival at Kagumo Teachers Training College in Nyeri, students demonstrated how creative arts are evolving into a platform for civic dialogue and cultural introspection.

Through drama, narrative theatre, cultural dances and multilingual performances, learners explored themes that resonate deeply within Kenyan society, reflecting a generation increasingly willing to challenge outdated traditions while preserving cultural identity.

A standout performance by Kisumu Girls National School, Juogi, blended Luo heritage with a modern narrative on gender equality. The production, by Dorine Odhiambo Buop and scripted by Florence Owino and Musa Onduu, tells the story of Awiti, a girl who inherits her father’s love for the nyatiti  a traditional instrument historically reserved for men.

Following her father’s death, Awiti faces resistance from her mother, who insists the instrument and symbols of authority be handed to a male heir.

“The girl has grown attached to the instrument, but culture says otherwise,” a narrator declares.

After a viral TikTok video showcases her talent, her family eventually embraces her gift, symbolising reconciliation between tradition and modern values.

St. George’s Girls High School Nairobi presented Rootless, a powerful play examining institutional prejudice. The story follows a brilliant student whose future is threatened by rumours and bias within the school system.

“Belonging is not determined by suspicion or documents, but by truth and humanity,” a character declares.

Family conflict and hidden truths emerged in Highway Secondary School’s French play La Mallette, where a birthday celebration turns into a courtroom drama after the discovery of a mysterious briefcase exposes long-held secrets.

“Truth hidden for too long becomes a burden too heavy for any child,” a character says.

Precious Blood Riruta’s The Letter Box tackled parental neglect and mental health. The story follows Hannah, a teenager grappling with emotional abandonment despite a privileged upbringing.

“Mother, I am in pain… your emotional absence pushed me to commit suicide,” she წერს in a letter.

The play contrasts her life with that of Clara, revealing that emotional neglect cuts across social classes, while teachers struggle to fill the gap left by absent parents.

Education inequality featured in Emusire High School’s French play L’excursion scolaire, where students are excluded from a school trip due to financial constraints. The matter escalates to court, where justice prevails.

“Education should bring us together, not separate us because of poverty,” the judge rules.

Meru School’s The Radio explored tensions between tradition and innovation, telling the story of young innovators introducing a community radio project despite resistance from elders. The play draws inspiration from a real-life student who built a radio station from recycled materials.

Kaaga Girls High School’s Kiswahili play Nembo la Urembo examined identity and societal pressure through the story of a student forced to pursue a beauty title to secure her future.

Mental health took centre stage in The Sound of Silence by Moi Girls Marsabit, which highlights the hidden trauma faced by learners and calls for open dialogue and counselling in schools.

Technology and youth empowerment were explored in Flamingo Senior School’s cultural dance 3D, where a student leverages digital opportunities to achieve his goals.

Spoken word performances also stood out, including Silaha Suluhu by Lundha Mixed Secondary School, which urged young people to resolve conflict through dialogue rather than violence.

“Words can be sharper than swords, but they can also heal,” one performer recited.

Rangala Girls presented the German choral verse Paradiso, reflecting on dreams and purpose among youth, while Tarasaa Secondary School’s Shule Shuleni celebrated education and cultural identity.

Oriwo Boys’ solo dance Hard Times depicted economic struggles faced by families, and Kanyawanga High School’s Mwiba (The Thorn) explored betrayal and its consequences within communities.

Drama teachers and education officials say the performances highlight the growing role of creative arts in shaping socially conscious learners.

Ministry of Education Director General Elyas Abdi said the festival aligns with the goals of the competency-based curriculum, promoting creativity, critical thinking and holistic development.

Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development CEO Prof. Charles Ong’ondo noted that the productions reflect real-life challenges facing young people.

“Across the performances, key lessons emerged  culture should not suppress talent, truth must prevail over prejudice, and dialogue remains the best path to resolving conflict,” he said.