The National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, Abuja chapter, has solicited government’s intervention for the construction of mini theatres in each of the area councils in the FCT.
Mr Jerry Adesewo, Secretary of the association, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday that the provision of mini theatres would go a long way in reviving the theatre culture.
He said that the step would help in reducing the cost of staging plays and encourage the professionals to do more.
“We need government intervention very seriously,’’ Adesewo said.
He said the National Association of Theatre Art Practitioners required assistance in terms of infrastructure provision.
“If we pay, say N500,000 for a venue, how much are we going to charge the audience and we say people don’t watch?
“People cannot watch because they do not have the economic power to come to the theatre. If you put more than N1,000 as gate fee you have trouble,’’ he said.
Adesewo called on other well-placed people in the country to support the cause considering that theatre was a job creator.
“If we can have one mini theatre in each of the area councils it will go a long way to help the sector.
“Government and our policymakers have forgotten that theatre is a job creator.
“A mini theatre anywhere in this nation, anywhere in the world has the capacity of employing a minimum of 36 persons when you need a full functioning theatre.
“This also comes with a multiplier effect, the carpenters, painters will also have one thing or the other to do in the theatre,’’ he said.
Adesewo said that there was only one theatre in Abuja which was very insignificant for the sector. (NAN)