The Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festival 2025 has brought to the national spotlight an extraordinary performance by Butere Girls High School—a powerful play titled Echoes of War. This is no ordinary school play. It’s a raw, emotionally charged piece of theatre that dives deep into the heart of conflict, trauma, and the resilience of girls in the face of unimaginable hardship.
What is Echoes of War About?
Set against the backdrop of war-torn regions in Africa, Echoes of War tells the story of Achieng’, a young girl whose life is disrupted by civil unrest. After a violent militia attack on her village, Achieng’ is taken captive alongside other girls. They face psychological torment, forced labor, and gender-based violence in the hands of warlords. Yet, amid the suffering, the girls form a powerful sisterhood that helps them survive, resist, and reclaim their voices.
This play by Butere Girls High School is a brave dramatization of gender-based violence in conflict zones, portraying the trauma many women and children endure across Africa during times of war.
Why Echoes of War Stands Out in the 2025 Drama Festival
Butere Girls High School has long been known for staging hard-hitting, socially relevant productions during the national drama festivals. However, Echoes of War may be their boldest statement yet. The play is not just entertainment—it’s a tool for advocacy, education, and empowerment.
Despite facing initial resistance from some education officers who felt the themes were “too disturbing,” the Ministry of Education finally approved the play for performance after reviewing its educational value. Officials have since praised the script for sparking necessary conversations about war, justice, and gender dynamics.
According to credible sources, the production was financially supported by Hon. Cleophas Malala, whose involvement has stirred even more debate. The former senator and current political figure is believed to have sponsored the girls’ production as part of a broader campaign to encourage youth expression through performing arts.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Mr. Julius Migos, has disbanded the Board of Management (BoM) of Butere Girls High School following concerns that the board allowed the controversial play to proceed without full consultation. The ministry has stated that an investigation is underway to determine if there were any policy breaches or external influences in the school’s decision-making process.
Despite the shake-up, the play has continued to receive praise across the country for its courage, creativity, and truth-telling.
Here’s why Echoes of War is making waves in the Kenyan secondary school drama scene:
- It tells real African stories often ignored by mainstream media or sugarcoated in school content
- It empowers girls by showing them as survivors, not just victims
- It opens up discussions about trauma, mental health, and healing through drama and storytelling
Key Themes in Echoes of War
The play Echoes of War is a layered and emotionally intense production that addresses numerous critical issues affecting society—especially women and children during times of conflict. Below is an in-depth look at the major themes explored in the play:
1. War and Its Human Cost
The play portrays how war displaces families, tears apart communities, and leaves emotional scars. Characters like Achieng’ highlight the personal toll of conflict, forcing audiences to reflect on the true price of war.
2. Gender-Based Violence in Conflict
One of the central themes is the abuse of girls and women during war. The captors in the play mirror real-world warlords who exploit women, turning their bodies into battlegrounds. However, the play also highlights the girls’ strength and eventual defiance.
3. Child Soldiers and the Lost Innocence of Youth
Young characters are thrust into situations beyond their years—facing death, captivity, and emotional trauma. The theme encourages empathy for children affected by war, especially in African regions where such stories are real.
4. Silence, Trauma, and the Struggle to Heal
Moments of silence in the play symbolize emotional numbness. But gradually, the girls start to speak, sing, and resist—showing that healing begins with breaking the silence.
5. Female Empowerment and Solidarity
The play celebrates unity among girls. They find strength in sisterhood, becoming a symbol of female resistance and resilience, which is empowering for both actors and audiences.
6. Art as Resistance and Revolution
Through chants, poetry, and storytelling, the play shows that art can be a form of resistance. It echoes the larger message that school drama festivals in Kenya are not just about entertainment—they’re platforms for change.
Achieng’: The Voice of a Generation
Achieng’ is the soul of Echoes of War. Her journey mirrors the lived experiences of many girls in Africa affected by conflict. Her monologues are filled with pain, questions, and fierce determination. She becomes the voice of the unheard—and the heart of the play.
Download the Full Script of Echoes of War
If you’re a teacher, drama club coach, or student who wants to read or perform this inspiring play, we’ve made it easier for you.
Final Thoughts: Why Echoes of War Matters
The success of Echoes of War by Butere Girls High School is proof that young girls in Kenya are not just dreaming of a better world—they’re demanding it through creative expression. This play is more than a script; it’s a movement.
Let’s continue to support brave storytelling in our schools. Because through drama, we can build empathy, understanding, and a nation that listens.
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