The Technical University of Kenya scooped the prestigious ‘Best Play’ emerging top in the just concluded 6th Regional Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) Drama Festivals that was held at Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU). TU-K drama team will now proceed to the national competition that will be held at Egerton University between 8th and 16th November. “The talented performers bagged the prestigious title of the overall ‘Best Play’ in the festivals with a score of 93% for their original play; ‘Echoes in the Dark’,” said Mr. Patrick Ogutu who is the TU-K Drama Club Patron.
The Metro Region festival was themed: Embracing social behavior change through performing Arts
In addition to the best performance award, TU-K received accolades for ‘Best Set Design and Best Original Script’, highlighting the club’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of theatre performance.
The Dean of Students, Prof. Omondi Oketch, praised the club for staging an excellent performance in the ongoing competitions and even in the past events noting that, the win was a celebration for the entire University community
TU-K also performed very well in the cultural creative dance entitled; ‘Omundu Khumundu’ coming out as the winning cultural dance beating Kenyatta University (KU) and the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA).
Metro is one of the seven KUPAA Regions in the country bringing together universities including; TU-K, KU, CUEA, MMU, Co-operative University of Kenya, Africa Nazarene University, Africa International University, Machakos University, Tangaza University, Schott University, KCA University, University of Nairobi, Kenya Methodist University, Strathmore University, United States International University Africa, Daystar University and Pioneer University.
TU-K solo verse option B took position one in the category while the parody and standup comedy also scooped number one position.
“The total number of items performed were 84 of which TU-K topped in five categories, second in two categories and third in three categories, putting the University in best shape to scoop more medals in the national competitions with a total of nine items to present,” Mr. Ogutu added.
TU-K French students proved their mastery of French language by presenting French Solo and Comedy under the guidance of Dr. Teresa Otieno who is the Assistant Patron.
The University team showcased a remarkable blend of creativity, emotion, and teamwork that resonated deeply with the audience and judges alike featuring a dynamic combination of new and continuing students, which made Sheryl Akinyi, 4th year student at TU-K come out as the best soloist and actress respectively.
She delivered an unexpected and powerful portrayal of character Teresa that revolved around the harsh realities of police brutalities combined with a tragedy of a young protagonist who wants to ensure justice for victims of frequent police torture.
