The National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) on Tuesday urged Nigerians to develop the habit of watching stage drama, music and dance live at the theatre.
The NTN’s Artistic Director, Akin Adejuwon, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that a great number of Nigerians distance themselves from theatre.
Adejuwon, who spoke at NTN’s Easter Performance, “Spectacle,’’ insisted that “the coldness need to be corrected for us to get it right and for people to patronise theatre.’’
NAN reports that “ Spectacle’’ is a wholesome representation of Nigerian diverse cultural heritage on stage through the use of music, songs, dance and drama.
According to him, NTN was established to serve people by educating and informing the populace through theatre.
“We are originating the process of theatre which has been heavily westernised in orientation by bringing to us iconic performances that are told by others.
“We have decided to rewrite that by bringing performances that encompasses theatre in all ramifications like music, dance and drama which NTN suppose to do.
“So, for festive seasons it has been a tradition to bring performances that will edify the people.
“We need to do exhibitions of what we have and also tour the country to foster unity,’’ he said.
Adejuwon, however, said paucity of funds was limiting what NTN intended to do in carrying out its set objectives.
Also speaking, the Director of Drama, Josephine Igberasese, said the idea behind Spectacle was to celebrate the risen Jesus Christ.
“We want the audience to be entertained, enjoy themselves, laugh, praise God and go home and relax.
“Every show the NTN does has a message for the audience to take home to live in peace and harmony irrespective of our diversity.
“There is room for everybody to accommodate one another, unity is what we emphasise mostly,” she said.
