TOPIC 1 : SET BOOKS PERFORMANCE IN HIGH SCHOOLS

"Sanaa ni Kioo cha Jamii." In Simple Language the Wise Meant that Art is the Essence of the Society. Having this in mind, the Producers and Directors challenged themselves in the 90's to be performing set books in Schools. From then there was the emerging of groups which they were referred to as Traveling Theatre. In the 90's the travelling performance was done FOR FREE but things came to change and students began to pay for the performance.

Actors were being looked for through Auditions done and when one passed the Auditions Test then He or She is ready for the Rehearsals as scheduled by the group. The Actors are given different roles, characters and given stage directions.

The actors also are expected to apply the Directors instructions and stage techniques that helps their delivery, such as:

• Body movement and Mannerisms 
• Use and Awareness of space.
• Vocal Dynamics.
• Improvisational Technique.  

https://takelessons.com/blog/drama-techniques

Producers travel to Schools to ask for teachers to allow them come at the date they will agree on and do the performance. The teachers are then left to collect money from students to facilitate the Performance and payment of the Actors. 

There are currently more than 200 Groups in Kenya. Just to mention a few: 

• Artflame Entertainment Inc 
• Jicho 4 Production 
• Fanaka Arts 
• Pambazuka 
• Neptrix Production
• Mabingwa Production
• Milestones Production
• ArtMasters Production
• Emarc Production 
• Trinity Ensemble
• Jukwa Arts Production
• Arttitude Production
• Nation Theatre Production 
• Changamka Production 

As the Books change with time It has also been able to be adapted and the wheel of Art driven Professionally. The Current Books being :
Kiswahili - Kigogo, Chozi La Heri, Tumbo Lisiloshiba na Hadithi nyingine. 
English - The Pearl, Blossoms of the Savannah, Doll's House, Inheritance, Memories we Lost.

The group work tirelessly in order to ensure that indeed the Students get the correct Interpretation of the Book. Some Producers have even gone a step to invite the Author of the Book to attend and watch what is happening on stage and engage Students in the discussion of the book. Just to Mention Brian Mwanzo ,Director Artflame Entertainment Inc. 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2233807333567832&set=a.1760980960850474&type=3&theater


The Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Education Science and Technology have also played part in Vetting the groups to ensure that the groups are legit to perform before students. I wish to give thumps up to the groups that have also registered to the New Curriculum as asked by the Ministry.


I personally encourage more of this so as to make the young people explore their abilities and talents they have. This will enable them have something to put in their pockets and better their standards of Living and reduce the level of Unemployment.
By this we are Embracing the new Curriculum which encourages once talent and ability of an area of specialization.

ART PAYS! 


Pictures Courtesy of Artflame Entertainment Inc and Fanaka Theatre.