Revamping The Theatre Culture

Growth in the Nigeria entertainment industry has been quite phenomenal especially after the rebasing of Nigeria’ GDP in 2014. The impact of the latter tinted the service sector as the leading contributor in 2015 (inclusive of the entertainment sector). In time past, the entertainment industry suffered boots in trying to produce anticipated interest that will lure investors. There was a huge gap between funding and productions as more often, ‘personal’ finance was a prerequisite to sustain productions.

However, the increasing demand of Nigerian entertainment content in music, movies, creative arts, publishing, theatre and events is gaining market visibility and global recognition but isn’t it funny how that we are in haste to doff our hats with induced excitement and commending ourselves in this part of the world on what many might regard as a feat of our television programs and film productions? No doubts, we have made giant paces to achieving a whole lot especially but sleeping on our oars is quite dangerous, questionable and converse to the path of significance especially in a puny economy as ours.

The growth of every economy is hinged on the successes of its varied sectors and it is only logical for a nation to create a feasible environment in ensuring its visibility. For a country like ours, there is a need to enhance the earning power of the entertainment sector and in order to achieve that height, our films, stage productions and musicals must meet contemporary international standards especially theatre which is the rock layer of everything else. There is a great need to invest hugely in theatre as this is a pill to refine the younger generation for a more cultured tomorrow. It is pertinent that a vibrant theatre culture be re-established and re-honoured.

Founding a dynamic theatre culture is one major way of rebranding the nation’s image. It mirrors the society on its development and creates a world that spurs the mind to think of a better living and if properly utilized, can become a major main stay for the nation’s economy. Broadway is a good example for an equation. The extolment of theatre education and productions in Nigeria can fetch plenty of hard currency to sustain the Nigerian economy without auctioning our National Theatre or any other national monument.

The Arts can beautify our nation and enrich it if only we are ready to walk through the eye of a needle.