IT was a memorable day for the art and entertainment industry, last Sunday, when lawyer-turned arts entrepreneur, Bolanle Austen-Peters unveiled the new Terra Kulture theatre, called the Arena.
The unveiling of the purpose-built 400 state-of-the-art theatre which was supported by the Bank of Industry’s scheme for the creative non-oil sector, played host to politicians, corporate Nigeria, artistes and entertainment promoters in a potpourri of exciting shows that hint of what to expect of the Arena, going forward.
Guests at the two-show event include, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Prof. Pat Utomi, Atedo Peterside, Femi Gbajabiamila, Olu Jacob and Joke Silva, Prof. Ademola Abass, Mrs. Cynthia Nwuka, Group Head, Creative Industry Desk at BoI, Tade Ogidan, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, AMAA Founder, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Yinka Davies, Jahman Anikulapo, Teju Kareem, Kunle Afolayan and evicted Big Brother Naija housemate, Tony Offiong among others.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Austen-Peters recalled that she delved in theatre business 15 years ago, and was inspired to take it to the next level by beating infrastructure challenges of stage, lighting, sound etc, as a way of extending the Terra Kulture space to accommodate the theatre Arena.
“To showcase talent, you have to deal with the right infrastructures, otherwise we’ll keep saying our people are not talented, but in reality they are. So, it was important for us to increase our space so we can do it at the best level,” she said.
She noted that the Arena has brought more jobs for the youths, saying that, “For each production, we have over a hundred people. We have cast, the light guys, the sound guys, costume people are about 15, we have three sets; the dancers, the artistes and the technicians.”
The Terra Kulture boss praised Bank of Industry for their support of her projects. “When we went to London with ‘Waka-The Musical’, they sponsored us, and then when we wanted a loan facility as well, they gave it to us. They have an incredible team of professionals. They keep to the letter. And operate in a very friendly atmosphere. I do admire them, very professional efficient.”
On why the bank is supporting arts and entertainment, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, Acting managing Director of Bank of Industry, said his institution is created to support any potentially viable initiative that would contribute to Nigeria’s GDP. “In 2013, the creative economy accounted for 1.6 percent of our GDP which is a vindication of Bank of Industry’s optimism in terms of the potentials of Nigeria and Nigerians in the creative economy. And that was why we set up the creative economic desk some 10 years ago to support our talents, our artistes to realise their potentials, and then of course to be able to convert their talents into good business models and then, hopefully, coming up with potentially viable business plans that we can support – ones that can attract both debt and equity. We play in the debt space as a lending institution and we’ve lent to a number of them in recent times and they’ve done quite well.”
Olagunju expressed optimism that “Terra Kulture would also do well because this initiative is one of the best in the world; not just in Nigeria or Africa. Because we watched her grow in Nigeria, we have also seen her perform on the international scene.”
He recalled that Bolanle Austen-Peters Production, Waka-The Musical was successful the last time it was taken to London. “And we believe that she can do a lot more in the global space, and through her activities, she is helping to build positive image for Nigeria, which is a prerequisite for building confidence of domestic and foreign investors in Nigeria,” he said.
Continuing, the BoL boss noted that Austen-Peters is also helping to mobilise foreign direct investments into Nigeria. “Because it is when investors have a positive perception of the market that they will venture to go into the market. When it’s negative, they would not. But through her activities, she is helping to enhance Nigeria’s image abroad. Which, like I said earlier, is a prerequisite for building confidence. Investors will come, not only into the creative economy but other sectors of the Nigerian economy because through her performances, she is able to tell a lot of positive stories about Nigeria, the people of the country, the culture and in the process she is also exposing other potentials of Nigeria. This is very crucial for taking investment decisions.”
Anchored by IK Osakioduwa, the show opened with performances by Lagos Modern Orchestra, led by the in-house music director, Seun Owoaje.
Guests were also treated to sense from Saro – The Musical, Wakaa – The Musical, a South African performance as well as skits from the London events. Popular Afro singer, Brymo who did some of the theme songs for the plays performed his hit song, “Waka Waka” to thunderous applause at the show.
The Arena promises regular weekend and festive stage productions, with the behind-the-scene lifestyle of late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, titled Fela and the Kalakuta Girls, billed for December.
