- Butere Girls decline to perform ‘Echoes of War’ at the festival.
- Police barred media and public from entering the venue.
- Students staged a symbolic protest by remaining silent on stage.
- The play, once banned, explores themes of justice and youth activism.
- High Court had lifted the ban before the event.
Butere Girls High School made headlines on Thursday morning after refusing to perform their much-talked-about play Echoes of War at the National Drama Festival in Nakuru. This decision followed what the school termed as deliberate sabotage from both the government and event organisers.
The girls arrived at the Melvin Jones Hall, but found a police blockade at the entrance. Members of the public and the press were barred from accessing the venue, forcing the students to perform before an empty hall.
A Defiant Stage Exit
Once on stage, the students sang the National Anthem, stood still in silent protest for a minute, and then walked off without acting a single line. Their actions sent a powerful message, a symbolic gesture rejecting what they saw as censorship and suppression.
This quiet demonstration spoke louder than words. For the girls, performing without an audience defeated the purpose of the entire production.
‘Echoes of War’ – A Mirror to Society
Set in a fictional post-conflict country, Echoes of War tells the story of a youthful generation working to rebuild a broken nation, fight impunity, and push for democratic reforms using digital tools.
The narrative aligns closely with the sentiments of today’s Gen Z, a group more connected, aware, and outspoken in political spaces. The play dives into bold themes like freedom of expression, governance, and the power of technology in activism.
Initially, the government had banned the performance, citing undisclosed concerns. However, the High Court later overturned the ban, allowing it to be included in the festival lineup—at least in theory.
Art Meets Resistance
The students’ refusal to perform was not a show of weakness but a firm stand against what they called institutional suppression. Instead of acting out their script, they lived it—making a statement louder than any performance could.
In the end, Echoes of War may not have been performed in words, but it was deeply felt through silence.
