Ghana’s theatres on the verge of collapse – David Dontoh

“Nigerian movies are doing well because they invest a lot in theatre which produces good actors but unfortunately, this does not happen in Ghana. Once theatre is given the needed push, our movie industry will bounce back,” Veteran actor David Dontoh.

Ghanaian actor and television personality, David Dontoh, also known in movie circles as ‘Ghanaman’ has attributed the low patronage of theatres in Ghana to lack of support from sponsors.

According to the former host of the Western Union sponsored popular “Agoro” programme on GTV, theatre can stand on its feet again if corporate entities invest in it.

Speaking with Showbiz, the actors noted that Nigerian movie industry is thriving due to the huge investment they made in theatres.

He stated that a good theatrical production is a capital intensive venture, taking into consideration costumes, lighting, props, make-up and set design but due to lack of sponsorship to take adequate care of those elements, theatre has become unattractive for potential patrons.

“Most good actors are products from theatre. Like me, I started starring in stage productions four decades ago. The question I have been trying to ask corporate bodies is: Who should groom the movie stars for them to award?

“There is no way a tree can stand if you cut its roots and that is what sponsors have done to our theatre, leading to the collapse of our movie industry,” he added.

The veteran actor bemoans how other companies prefer to invest their resources into some irrelevant award schemes which doesn’t promote Ghanaian heritage.

“My team and I have been trying to get sponsors for our productions and the response has been very bad. Corporate bodies prefer to sponsor awards ceremonies which are not as important as theatre that helps to promote tourism”