National Troupe ends three-state tour

The National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) ended its tour of Kogi, Ekiti and Kwara states on Monday, November 24 and proceeded to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the Abuja Carnival, which held from November 26 to 29.

The curtains came down with a performance at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) whose Department of Theatre Arts students took part in a drama workshop conducted by the Director of Drama, NTN, Ms. Josephine Igberaese, and the Head of Music, Mike Anyanwu.

After the workshop, ‘Ajoyo’ (Celebration), a dance drama, which highlights the need for unity, love and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, took place.

The Troupe had, a week before, performed in Lokoja on Thursday and at the Igbo Community Hall in Kabba, Kogi State, on Friday. It equally put up a show-stopping performance in Ado Ekiti penultimate Saturday and in Iyin Ekiti the next day.

Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NTN, Akin Adejuwon, reiterated that apart from being in line with his vision of making the Troupe current, relevant and responsive, the tour is a way of showing that there is so much the performing arts can contribute to nation building. The tour is planned for the 36 states of the country.

“Part of what I have also used this tour to do is to talk to our youths, especially those interested in the performing arts on the various empowerment programmes that the transformative administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has provided that they can take advantage of to empower themselves.

“There is the YouWin programme of the federal government, which they can access to properly establish their troupes, and there is the new scheme I am starting at the National Troupe, which will provide free training and exposure to deserving and outstanding performing arts companies around the country. We have created a section on our website where they can register and then we can reach out to them,” Adejuwon said.