Echoes of War to be Staged Publicly as Renowned Kenyan Actors Invited to Audition

Echoes of War to be Staged Publicly as Renowned Kenyan Actors Invited to Audition.

Following his release on Thursday, April 10, playwright Cleophas Malala announced that Echoes of War, a controversial stage play, would be performed publicly by adult citizens. Malala stated that the production aimed to help the public understand the play’s message and content more clearly.

He emphasized that the upcoming performance would involve the selection of top Kenyan actors, eliminating the need for prior permission as required in school-based festivals.

Although he confirmed the public staging, Malala did not disclose specifics regarding the venue, date, or logistical arrangements for the performance.

The play gained public attention after Butere Girls High School, originally scheduled to perform it at the National Drama Festivals, was prohibited from doing so. The decision sparked intense debate, with widespread speculation suggesting interference from high-ranking government officials, who were believed to be responsible for censoring the production.

Set in the imaginary Royal Velvet Emirates, Echoes of War portrays a society teetering on collapse, caught between a generational clash—traditionalists resisting change and progressives advocating innovation and technology. While the setting is fictional, the dialogue and themes mirror Kenya’s contemporary socio-political environment, leading many to view the play as a symbolic reflection of real issues.

Read Also: Echoes of War PDF Download: Butere Girls High School Play by Cleophas Malala

The controversy intensified when Butere Girls students exited the festival in protest on Thursday morning. They cited dissatisfaction with the stage setup and the overall management of the event. The situation escalated after authorities denied both the media and public access to Melvin Johns Hall Academy in Nakuru, where the play was initially scheduled to be performed.

Tensions further rose when police were reported to have used tear gas on the students as they addressed the press outside the venue, following their abrupt exit. The incident added to the already heated discourse surrounding the censorship of the play and the handling of its planned performance.

Echoes of War to be Staged Publicly as Renowned Kenyan Actors Invited to Audition.

Follow Teachers Updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram. Get in touch with our editors at [email protected].