By George Orido
The Kakamega High School auditorium was full to capacity. The crowd waited. It was that tense moment when winners of the tough Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festivals competition are announced.
Hearts thumped with expectation. Then as names started rolling out of the officialâs lips, thunderous celebrations broke the air, competing with the pounding rain.
Nairobiâs Riara Springs Academyâs play, Goldless was the winning act. Celebrations rent the air. Some girls broke down, crying uncontrollably. They were tears of joy. Their parents who had travelled all the way to emotionally support the actors also joined in the wild celebrations. Winners cannot hide excitement as they hold their trophies. [Photos: Benjamin Sakwa/Standard]
Witty lines
Goldless is a masterpiece of art hemmed in witty lines, full of suspense and incredible characterisation.
While the play seeks to advocate for the rights and recognition of the physically disabled, it ended up as a mirror that showed the reckless, insensitive, and mean leadership that turns against its own people.
Controversial Goldless director Cleophas Malalah jumped and threw his hands into the air as he passionately held the trophy of Best Director of the Year.
This year saw very advanced forms of production and simple but clear storylines and it wasnât obvious who would emerge ahead of the pack.
The second best award went to Malindi High for the play Operesheni Linda Utu with Menengai High Schoolâs Bamba Fifty settling for a bronze medal.
tight competition
