No fewer than 100 students of drama/theatre arts from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University (LASU), and Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and their teachers were hosted to a play entitled: “The King Must Die” by the Lagos State Council of Arts and Culture (LSCAC) as part of events marking the World Theatre Day on Tuesday.
Also at the event, which was held at the Lagos Theatre, Igando, were pupils of some secondary schools in the area.
Welcoming the guests, Special Adviser (SA) to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Olufemi Martins, noted that the day was okayed by practitioners globally to draw attention to the importance of theatre in life and that the play was presented by the state troupe.
Describing the theme of this year’s World Theatre Day, “Theatre and a Culture of Peace”, as apt and timely, Martins said it spoke to recent happenings in Nigeria and across the world.
“No doubt, peace is a phenomenon that transcends all divides, as everyone regardless of ethnic, religious and other affiliations crave peace.
The SA added: “Arts provides an avenue for skillful expression of ideas, imagination or feeling through aesthetics. Apart from presenting the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the society, arts are also used to pinpoint societal deficiencies and this underscores the importance of all arts-related activities, including theatrical presentations.
“More importantly too, in recent times when the theatrical presentation has not been gaining its rightful popularity and attention, today’s celebration will assist in reawakening the consciousness of appreciating theatre performances among the populace.”
Besides entertainment, theatre is used to appreciate culture, correct societal ills, recognise those who contributed positively or otherwise to society and give performers the opportunity to showcase their talents and above all jobs creators, he said.
Going memory lane, Martins said while the first theatrical performances were recorded in Athens, Greek in the fifth Century, the Nigerian theatre started as late as the 1940s through the works of the late Hubert Ogunde.
He assured that in tandem with the Fifth Pillar (Entertainment and Tourism) of the THEMES Agenda of the state administration, the council would continue to promote arts and culture.
In a goodwill message to the occasion, the President, National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Israel Eboh, who was represented, advised the students and other attendants to learn from the play.
Lagos Culture Council hosts pupils on World Theatre Day
