Aleyna’s Story: From stage to screen, with medicine in her sights

Her growing body of work reflects a willingness to explore different aspects of the performing arts, embrace new challenges and learn from every opportunity.

Aleyna first attracted attention at Brookhurst through her lead role in Annie, a production that demanded a combination of acting, singing and stage presence. The role challenged her to balance technical ability with emotional expression while carrying the responsibility that comes with leading a production.

Rather than limiting herself to acting, she subsequently explored another side of theatre when she took on the role of director in Our Town. The experience required her to guide fellow performers, work with the production team and help bring the play’s creative vision to life.

The transition from performer to director broadened her understanding of storytelling, demonstrating that her interest in theatre extended beyond the spotlight to the collaborative work that takes place behind the scenes.

Her experience soon extended beyond the school stage. Aleyna appeared in several episodes of Neema, a series aired on Citizen TV, marking an important step into television acting. Working in front of the camera introduced her to a different set of demands, including precision, adaptability and the ability to deliver convincing performances in a professional production environment.

Another significant milestone came when she played Shida in a short film that gained popularity. Aleyna regards the role as her strongest performance to date, crediting the opportunity with allowing her to explore the character’s emotions and develop a deeper connection with the story.

Most recently, she returned to the stage in a lead role in A Taste of Honey, reaffirming her commitment to theatre while continuing to develop her craft.

“Each role has pushed me in a different way,” she says. “From balancing singing and acting in Annie to directing Our Town, to working on Neema and then playing Shida, I’ve learned to grow with every opportunity. I still feel like I’m discovering what I can do.”

Despite the progress she has made, Aleyna views her achievements not as a culmination of her efforts but as part of an ongoing learning process. Each production has offered a new perspective, helping her build confidence and broaden her understanding of performance.

She is also quick to acknowledge the people and institution that have supported her development.

“I’m really grateful to the teachers who’ve guided me, especially Mr Zidane and Mr Onzere, and to the school for giving me a platform to explore my talent,” she says.

Beyond acting and directing, however, Aleyna has another ambition that points towards a very different professional world: medicine. She hopes to become a cardiologist and is preparing to begin her A-Level studies at Brookhurst, balancing her creative interests with the academic commitment required to pursue a career in healthcare.

Her dual ambitions present an unusual combination of disciplines, but both demand qualities such as dedication, discipline and a willingness to keep learning. While performing arts offer her an avenue for creative expression, her academic pursuits are directed towards a long-term goal in medicine.

Brookhurst continues to support her development in both areas, encouraging students to pursue their talents while preparing for their future careers.

Principal George Mathenge says Aleyna embodies the balance the school seeks to nurture between creative expression and academic ambition.

“Aleyna represents the balance we strive to nurture, where talent and academic ambition go hand in hand. We are proud to support her as she takes this next step into A-Levels,” he says.

The school’s Head of Drama, Zidane William, also highlights the discipline she brings to her work, both in the performing arts and in the classroom.

“Aleyna’s strength lies in her ability to commit, whether it’s to a role or to her studies. That discipline will serve her well, both on stage and in her future career,” he says.

As she prepares for the next stage of her education, Aleyna faces the challenge of sustaining her artistic growth while working towards her medical ambitions. Her experiences so far suggest that she is willing to embrace both paths, using each opportunity to develop skills and discover new possibilities.

For now, her story remains one of exploration rather than arrival. From Annie and Our Town to Neema, Shida and A Taste of Honey, she has steadily expanded her experience across the performing arts while maintaining a clear vision for her academic future.

Whether her next breakthrough comes on stage, on screen or in the classroom, Aleyna is determined to keep learning and growing.

Her journey is still unfolding, and the next act is only just beginning.