… As ANTP Alimosho Partners Lagos Theatre Igando on Celebration
The Lagos State Government has joined its counterparts across the globe to celebrate the Y2022 World Theatre Day at an event organised by the Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (ANTP) Alimosho in collaboration with the Lagos Theatre, Igando.
In her address at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, said that World Theatre Day, celebrated every year on March 27 as designated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1961, is aimed at promoting the essence, beauty and importance of theatre arts all over the world.
Akinbile-Yusuf, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, explained further that the day was also designed to enlighten governments, politicians, institutions and stakeholders who are yet to realise the value of theatre to the people and its potential for economic growth around the world.
Her words: “World Theatre Day celebrations came into being so that everyone can appreciate the entertainment and the change which theatre brings to life. The State Government plans to integrate the culture of theatre performances into the entertainment scene through the establishment of functional theatres across the State. This will ensure that Lagosians have the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy theatrical performances”.
According to Akinbile-Yusuf, the government’s quest to create an enabling platform for the teeming youths in the State to embrace theatrical works led to the rehabilitation of the iconic Glover Memorial Hall located at Customs Street, Lagos Island, adding that it has since been functional while attracting important personalities from all walks of life across the country.
The Commissioner averred that it is also instructive that the State Government, through its partnership with two reputable creative organisations: EbonyLife Creative Academy and Delyork Creative Academy under Lagos Creative Industry Initiative, LACI, had trained about 1,500 youths in film production, Directing and Acting, among others.
Congratulating the ANTP, Alimosho Chapter, for putting together such a laudable initiative, Akinbile-Yusuf declared that the State Government will not relent in its efforts to identify skill gaps within the creative sector.
She, therefore, pleaded for support towards making preparations to host this year’s Nigerian Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST), stressing that the performances by the artists and kids at the event must be replicated during the forthcoming NAFEST later in the year.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Award of Mother of Arts to the Honourable Commissioner as well as music, dance and drama performances from different drama troupes and school children in the State.
