Creative stakeholders posing for a photo during tree planting at Embu police station on Tuesday, July 31.
Theatre is coming home, and this time, it’s not in Nairobi but in the grassroots.
The counties of Embu and Machakos are filled with exciting creative energy as the County Theatre Fiesta (CTF) makes a spirited return, portraying cultural expression and spotting raw local talent twilights.
This Fourth edition CTF, organised by the Kenya Cultural Centre and the Kenya International Theatre Festival Trust, aims to run vibrant activities through August 3. '
With the support of the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SADF), the program aims at shifting Kenya’s theatre narrative, placing the spotlight on counties not just the Capital.
The program has seen the stakeholders planting at least 150 trees at the Embu West Police Station Garden as a Symbolic Launch of the Ceremony that has kicked off at the Embu talent Academy in Embu.
Speaking during the launch the project coordinator Lucy Karaya, reflected on the project’s deeper vision and its significance to local engagement. “Theatre belongs where the stories live, in villages, towns and communities across ethe country. It’s time we gave those stories a stage,” she said.
This comes as 50 performers from Embu County have been selected and they’re undergoing rigorous training in scriptwriting, lighting, production and stagecraft. Further, the program aims at conversion of cultural storytellers who carry the spirit of their people to investments. V
eteran actor Samuel Ochieng, fondly known as Murio from Tv program Inspekta Mwala, offered powerful encouragement to building artists and called for patience.
“Be rooted, be patient. Every culture deserves its voice on stage. Art is viable path, own it,” he said.
On his side, the Embu County Chief Officer for Sports, Talent Development and Creative Arts, Yusuf Kaberia, hailed the county government for setting aside resources in the current budget to nurture local talent and expand creative opportunities. Running under the theme” A decade of connecting cultures,” this year’s Fiesta goes beyond stage performances.
Young creatives are also exploring the Sauti Za Boma audioplay Masterclass, an initiative teaching them to produce immerse audio dramas that echo Kenya’s cultural diversity and everyday experiences.
The excitement builds toward the grand finale of three days of live performances on August 1st, 2nd and 3rd at the Embu Talent Academy. These showcases promise more than entertainment, but a cultural awakening.
