General News of Friday, 9 May 2003

Source: GNA

National Theatre Is 10 Years

Professor George Hagan, Chairman of National Commission on Culture, said a draft proposal has been submitted to government for the establishment of a fund to promote cultural activities nationwide. He said this would support the youth to develop their creative enterprises and reduce the strenuous effort of soliciting for sponsors.

Prof. Hagan was addressing a press briefing to showcase the activities of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Theatre. He urged the workers to work hard to create an audience that would constantly patronise the activities showcased at the Theatre.

Professor Komla Amoaku, Executive Director of the National Theatre, said an exercise was underway to convert the Theatre into a self-supporting institution in 2006.The exercise, which was under the National Institutional Renewal Programme, intends to commercialise the use of the Theatre.

Prof. Amoaku said the Management had lifted it from its doldrums to a very high standard through the introduction of unique and viable customer oriented programmes in the contemporary and traditional arts and other special events.

He said the Theatre through specialised training and manpower development and links with international Theatre groups could boast of some of the best-trained cadres of Theatre Professionals on the continent.

Prof. Amoaku noted that through international linkages and initiatives the Theatre had succeeded in the promotion of educational exchange programmes to expose Ghanaian cultural values. It has also established training opportunities through artistic collaboration.

He commended the media for their tremendous support in communicating the programmes of the Theatre to its audience.