The Kericho Cluster recently produced and starred in their county's first-ever public theatre show. It touched on themes of leadership, morality, family dynamics, and the consequences of unchecked ambition and poor decision-making. OSCAR, who leads the Cluster, tells us more..
What was the play about?
The play, Pressure in Paradise, produced by Sttart Network Afrika under the Kericho Cluster, explored life through the chaotic personal journey of a university professor. We used a compelling narrative to highlight the pressures faced by people in positions of power and the ripple effects their choices have on others. We wanted to reach out to young adults, families, and community leaders with our message.
Interesting. Why did the Cluster choose a play to communicate this message?
We chose theatre because it's a powerful and engaging way for communicating complex social issues. A play creates an emotional connection with the audience through storytelling and relatable characters, making it more impactful than a lecture or informational session. Theatre also reaches a wider audience and breaks down barriers to discussing sensitive topics.
What key things did you learn as you prepared for the play?
We learned the importance of detailed planning, collaboration, effective communication and clearly divided responsibilities. Our project would not be successful without these. We also gained insight into the power of storytelling and the need to create a supportive space for actors tackling challenging themes. Finally, we saw the value of engaging the community and building partnerships to reach our goals.
What challenges did you face in the process?
Securing funding was a significant challenge. However, we secured funding through a combination of sources including personal contributions and partnerships with local businesses and organisations. We also charged an entrance fee which went towards the production costs, supporting the cast and crew and contributing to future social transformation projects.
Finally, navigating the sensitive themes of the play required careful consideration to ensure responsible and ethical representation.
How was the reaction to the play?
The reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The audience praised the play's powerful message, engaging storyline, and the actors' compelling performances. Many people informed us that the play started important conversations and provided a new perspective on the issues we addressed.
That's great to hear! What would you advise other individuals/communities who would be interested in using art for community transformation?
I would advise thorough planning, securing adequate funding, building strong partnerships, and focusing on a clear message. Remember that collaboration is key, and engaging with the community is essential for success. Don't be afraid to tackle challenging topics, as art has the power to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire positive change. And finally, celebrate the process and the impact of your work!
Click here to learn why oral communication is still extremely relevant and important today.
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