Regional drama festivals end on a high note

Merit Achieng (left) and Joyce Safari of St. Mary Lwak Girls High school present a cultural dance named Saxo-vio-guitar at Agoro Sare High school in Homabay county on March 12,2016 during the regional drama festival. The region witnessed couples of strong performances that will compete at the nationals next month. (Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)

The Nyanza Regional Drama Festival ended yesterday with stunning, energetic and educative performances on issues affecting the society.

The insightful narratives, solo verses, stand up comedies, cultural and modern dances dwelt on redeeming the current generation, which has in many occasions been described as the lost generation. The five-day event held at Agoro Sare High School in Homabay ended on Friday with performances focusing on the effects of alcoholism, voter empowerment, national cohesion and integration and discipline of students.

National issues such as citizen participation in security, corruption and integrity were not left behind as students emotionally expressed the citizens' growing concerns. Fr Oudderra School for the Deaf representing Siaya took the stage by storm with their well-crafted play in sign language titled 'The Hidden Treasure'.

The emotional play portrayed a girl with an inborn artistic talent in drawing but her teachers and father would not allow her to nurture it. She would get punished for holding onto her talent, which her father considered a waste of time. But her mother gave her a chance to pursue her dream against her father's wishes, which landed both of them in trouble.

 ATTEMPT SUICIDE

The girl attempted suicide but a Good Samaritan appeared to give her hope. The play won in the category.

St Mary's Lwak Girls' dance titled 'Saxa-vio-Guitar' was full of pomp and colour.  A solo verse, two stand up comedies, two cultural dances, two narratives, three plays and two modern dances are some of the performances which the region will present at the national level.

Ringa Boys High School excelled in a modern dance while Kadika Girls from Migori emerged the winner with their narrative 'Mandas'.

Lake region chair Peninah Oketch urged the winners and the losers to come together to develop talents in Nyanza.

Elsewhere, Eregi Teachers Training College's English play 'The Beast' was declared the best in its category in the just-ended Nzoia Regional Festivals. The two-day festival was held at the Usenge High School Hall in Bondo.

Many items were based on current topical themes such as corruption, drug and substance abuse, child labour and domestic violence among others. "This is indeed commendable because they are interpreting what we as a nation are encouraging at this point in time," said Siaya County Director of Education Nerea Olick.

The winners will represent the region in Meru next month.