BY ANGELA R. KIURA
More than 50 young performers from Embu and Machakos counties have undergone an intensive 10-day professional theatre training under the County Theatre Fiesta (CTF), a national initiative aimed at raising standards in Kenya’s performing arts and unlocking the potential of young people.
The program, hosted at the Embu Talent Academy and led by the Kenya National Theatre (KNT) through the Kenya Cultural Centre (KCC), targets budding artists with comprehensive modules in scriptwriting, directing, sound, lighting, production design, entertainment law, mental wellness, and more.
KCC Communications Officer Lucy Karaya said while Kenya is rich in raw talent, the sector lacks proper mentorship and professional structures.
“There is a demand for quality productions that reflect professional excellence. Audiences pay for value, and we must deliver,” Karaya stated, urging artists to focus beyond entertainment and use theatre to address social realities.
The Fiesta includes a Sauti Za Boma Audioplay Masterclass, enhancing participants’ storytelling skills through audio formats that embrace Kenya’s diverse cultures.
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Seven theatre groups—five from Embu and two from Machakos—participated in the Embu edition, which culminated in public performances on August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The top group will represent the region at the Kenya International Theatre Festival.
Embu County Chief Officer for Sports, Talent Development and Creative Arts, Yusuf Kaburia Juma, praised the initiative, saying the county had set aside budget allocations to support the creative sector.
“Our youth must not only be nurtured but empowered to earn and build careers in the arts,” Juma said.
Veteran actor Samuel Ochieng, famously known as Murio from Inspekta Mwala, encouraged participants to remain focused and patient.
“Art is a journey. Be patient. Celebrate all cultures—they are the heart of our stories,” he said.
The County Theatre Fiesta has already made stops in Nakuru, Narok, Kiambu, Nyeri, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Embu, and Machakos.
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