Strathmore Drama society (DRAMSOC) easily passes out as the pearl of the campus. This elated position was garnered during the recent concluded 10^th annual sports and clubs Gala award where they bagged Club of the year 2014, and best CSR award; recognition last gotten in the year 2010. Kaveni Bakajika, 3^rd year Law student and former DRAMSOC chairperson, takes us though a behind the curtain expedition, a journey that tells of DRAMSOC’ renaissance.

 

The theatre club of Strathmore University, is the complete definition of a talent nurturing hub; be it in acting, scriptwriting and the wholesome entity of the performing arts. As the club’s motto clearly stipulates, ‘Take it to the next level’ Kaveni’s vision for DRAMSOC was simply that; seeing to it that DRAMSOC gets back its glory.

 

The society is known for enacting classical plays, by the likes of Shakespeare, Anton Chekhov, George Bernard Shaw, amongst others. Explaining this tendency, Kaveni put it clearly that classical plays have seemingly good messages, which the club has always been able to relate to, and fit them into the Kenyan concept, a niche they have been successful at venturing at. Getting Married, a play by George Bernard Shaw first performed in 1908, was their biggest play she tells. Other than Shakespeare, George Shaw captures the restraints of social questions with much particularity, an attribute which the club brought to life in absolute. Other plays which were enacted in 2014 aside from Getting Married were; Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere fan (February) and Anton Chekhov’s Cherry Orchard (July). 

 

History

DRAMSOC was formed in 2002 and the first director cum patron was Ms Roche, who is now back in Kianda school. Eager to kick off on its activities, the team put up its first play Kenya Dreams that was staged at the Chapel forecourt. The first chairperson was Laura Temesi. The club’s first constitution was drafted in 2006, with members joining in and an active leadership body kicking in.

 

Over the years the club has grown expansively, with some of their alumni bagging notable presence in the theatrics industry. The list includes; Maureen Koech-actress in Lies that Bind, winner of the Africa Movie Magic Viewer’s Choice Award, Benjamin Kamicha-actor, The Distant Boat, Mike Kagwanja-actor, Santalal, Nick Walubengo-actor Angel’s Diary and scriptwriter.

 

Practice Session

Practice is key for the team; tells Kaveni, as they have to prepare for three plays each year. Although they are not done consecutively, practice keeps their performance outright and due. The team currently meets at the Cultural Room or MSB 14, every Friday as from 2.30 PM. The society has an active membership of fifty students and an expanse alumni cluster, who are still in one with the clubs activities.

 

Achievements

Suffice to mention that 2014 was a good year for DRAMSOC, with its achievements being written in the books of history. To add to the long list of achievements; is the office spearheading the making of a revised constitution, making two low budget films (‘It’s not Me’ and ‘Try It on Your Own’), and as for the cherry of the cake; raising Ksh. 26,000 for Tunza Children’s Home in Kibiko, Ngong’. The club visited the home twice, with the final visit in December, seeing clothes, cutlery, stationery, and toiletries being donated to the home. The main source of funds were the two panorama expeditions, (teasers for the Open Mic talent concert), the Open Mic itself and the Skip-a-meal campaign.

 

Kaveni’s greatest achievement as chairlady was helping to foster unity and togetherness in the society by motivating members to do the same and increasing the number of activities they participated in throughout the year. This was through exploiting members’ potential by providing platforms to do so, such as increasing the number of plays in the year and starting an acting workshop program (which professionally trains members on acting skills).

 

Team Challenge

The hardest moment for the team was transitioning from 2013 to 2014. As the transition would have it, hard work had to be cultivated if the team was to reap a bounty harvest. Kaveni tells that pulling up the team from laxity to active, was arduous, but soon, with the cooperation of other leaders the spirit rippled, with more and more members putting in their dedicated efforts to the club’s endeavors.

 

Joining the society

Anyone who has a passion for theatrics is welcomed to join. They must first send an essay (maximum of 150 words) about themselves and why they want to join DRAMSOC, to the society email. Successful candidates who have made the threshold are then to be auditioned, in either January or July.

 

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