Experts Urge Greater Investment In Theatre

The Theatre Arts Industry has
been described as a prospective and profitable discipline and a platform for promoting cultural values and national integration.
Experts in the industry wh spoke at the 2014 edition of the World Theatre Day organised by the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture in conjunction with Street Pings Entertainment in Port Harcourt, said investment in the sector would enhance professionalism and boost the production by the practitioners.
A university Don, and Theatre Arts, Practitioner, Prof Henry Belgam, who delivered a special lecture at the event, said the theatre had played a critical role in the promotion of Nigeira’s unity through the works of celebrated playwright,  like John Pepper Clark, Elechi Amadi, Prof Wole Soyinka, among others.
Prof  Belgam, who is also the Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Port Harcourt, said the theme of the 2014 edition of the World Theatre Day; “The Power Of The Theatre To Strengthen Cultural Exchange And Mutual Understanding Across Borders,” was apt and called for an overhaul of the theatre in Rivers State and Nigeria in general.
The university don, emphasised that theatre arts programmes should be entrepreneur-based to boost self employment, and added that young Theatre Arts graduates should be encouraged to stage plays against corruption, cultism and other vices.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture, Chief Deede Baede, said the event was unique as it was the maiden edition since the establishment of the premier council for arts and culture in the state.
The director appealed to the Rivers State government and other stakeholders in the state to invest in the development of the  theatre to complement other related sectors to achieve holistic development.
He expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi, for building a new State of the arts facility for the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture.
In her remark, the Rivers State Chapter Chairman of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union, RATAWU, Mrs Opakrite Erekosima, tasked theatre arts  practitioners on professionalism and stated that the future of the theatre depended on indepth commitment to excellence.
Highlights of the event was arts exhibition and the presentation of awards to veterans in the theatre arts industry, such as Elechi Amadi, Pioneer Executive Director of the State Arts Council, Chief Uriel O. Paul Worika, Prof Henry Belgam and the immediate past Executive Director, Mr Arthur Willie Pepple.

Taneh Beemene

President, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt, Rtn Chidi Ikeji (middle), presenting hospital equipment to the Hospital Administrator Rev Fr. Noel Nalelo (2nd right) in Port Harcourt recently. With them are Medical Director of the hospital, Rev Sister Vivien Okereke and District Governor nominee of the Club, Rtn Ijeoma P. Okoro (2nd left).