Since its inception in 2016, the Kenya International Theatre Festival (KITFest) has grown organically into one of Africa’s most prestigious and widely embraced theatre Events. Each year, it exerts an irresistible magnetic pull, attracting over 2,000 participants and captivating an astounding audience of over 100,000.
As KITFest embark on the 8th Edition of the Festival this year, it’s important to underscore the significant milestone this represents. This achievement has been underpinned by the substantial recognition and unwavering support that KITFest has garnered, not only from the local community but globally. This support has fortified the festival’s activities, resulting in numerous strategic partnerships and fruitful collaborations that continue to propel KITFest to greater heights. From enlightening workshops and masterclasses that nurture artistic growth to thought-provoking conferences that stimulate intellectual discourse, KITFest offers a wide range of opportunities.
Its scope extends beyond the artistic realm to include thrilling tourist expeditions, providing a chance to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Kenya. Evenings at KITFest are a harmonious fusion of culture and entertainment, where attendees can revel in culturally infused performances. KITFest symbolizes an annual celebration of the captivating world of theatre, culture, and global interconnectedness.
This extraordinary event serves as a nexus, attracting performing artists from diverse corners of the world, not only to display their artistic brilliance but also to foster a dynamic exchange of innovative ideas and mutual enlightenment. KITFest transcends the conventional notion of a mere stage for performances; it is a fully immersive experience that invites attendees into a multifaceted realm.
The upcoming festival promises to be a dynamic fusion of culturally enriching and artistically innovative performances, featuring productions from a diverse array of countries spanning the globe, including but not limited to Burundi, Nigeria, South Africa, Malawi, Netherlands, India, Italy, Tanzania, Germany, the United Kingdom, Serbia, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, and Kenya.
The two weeks Festival set to run from 31st October to 12th November is poised to be a bustling hub of activities. Having extended influence to six different counties in partnership with the Kenya Cultural Centre incorporating the Kenya National Theatre, to initiate the County Theatre Fiesta, a program which serves as a capacity-building initiative, aimed at equipping theatre practitioners within these counties with professional skills and a deeper understanding of how to enhance the theatrical landscape in their respective regions.
The counties of Nakuru, Embu, Kiambu, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Uasin Gishu have all benefited from this program. The grand culmination of this program is anticipated to take place at the National Theatre during KITFest. Each of these counties will be represented by a theatre production company from the Fiesta, highlighting the festival’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing local talent from across Kenya.
This year’s festival, themed “Theatre for a Sustainable Future: Narrating Climate Action,” emphasizes how theatre can promote awareness of climate change’s repercussions and the imperative for collaborative responses. With artists from across the globe, the festival will exhibit varied approaches to confronting climate change, motivating viewers to engage. Moreover, the theme underscores the value of interdisciplinarity and cooperation in forging a sustainable tomorrow.
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