THE Lagos State Government has, again, underscored the importance of the peaceful co-existence of all residents, calling on creative practitioners to use the vehicle of theatre and other artistic content to further promote peace and unity in diversity.
The Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Femi Martins, stated this during a theatrical performance “The King Must Die”, staged by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture to commemorate this year’s World Theatre Day at the Lagos Theatre, Igando, in the Igando-Ikotun LCDA of Alimosho, on Monday, March 27, 2023.
Speaking on the theme: “Theatre and a Culture of Peace,” Martins averred that the topic dwells on recent happenings in Nigeria and the need to use theatre to propagate peaceful cohabitation, adding that the Play unravelled different societal ills and desperation for recognition among human beings.
He recalled that Nigerian theatre, which began with a fusion of music, dance, drumming, and adornment of colourful costumes, emerged in the 1940s through the works of the late theatre icon, Chief Hubert Ogunde.
The Special Adviser promised that in line with the fifth Pillar of the current administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, which deals with Entertainment and Tourism, the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) will continue to promote arts and culture in the State.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, in her remarks at the event, acknowledged the efforts of the members of the State Council for Arts and Culture, including the Writer, the Director, the Stage Manager, Anchor person and all the crew and cast as well as other artistic contributors to the Play.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented at the event by the Director of Research and Development in the Ministry, Mrs Yetunde Simpson, said that this year’s World Theatre Day and the performances by the Council for Arts and Culture Troupe are equal to the global standard of theatrical performance.
On his part, the Director and CEO of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Idowu Johnson, appreciated the troupe for their scintillating performance which not only captivated the audience but also underscored the importance of peace to society.
He said that the performance of the troupe has clearly shown that theatre as a form of art, is a vital tool in achieving a peaceful society.
