NPP’s 1-region-1-theatre idea could be more ambitious — Blogger

The plan by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to build one theatre in each region in Ghana if it wins the December 7 polls is an apt idea that will boost the creative industry in the country but the party can do more by considering a modern state-of-the-art auditorium that can serve multiple purposes, Kelly Nii Lartey Mensah, an entertainment pundit and blogger, has said.

As part of her campaign, the Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, speaking at a media briefing in Accra, said with the exception of Accra which has a modern theatre, the nine other regional capitals would have their share of theatres.

She said very little attention had been given to that creative industry but the party would reverse that trend.

She announced new measures to be put in place for the industry when the party comes to power, one of which is a Creative Arts Council which will coordinate and harmonise the various interests and fragmented associations into a well-functioning body to protect the interests of members.

But speaking in an interview with ClassFMonline.com on Thursday October 20, Mr Mensah said: “A theatre in every region means a comfortable performance space in every region for performers and their crew. Artistes or play tours or concerts can be organised from one region to another with ease. It would be nice to know the capacity of these setups and how they are going to be managed.”

He added: “Theatres somehow sound archaic to me. How about a modern state-of-the-art auditorium that can serve multiple purposes with fully enhanced tech abilities? The creative industry needs these infrastructures and it’s good to put up such facilities. … I pray they get to implement this plan.

“We (Ghana) are in the age of stage plays and drama where Ghanaians are being treated with good theatrical performances and I believe this idea is purposely designed to create space for that aspect of the industry to grow and expand where we can employ more actors, directors, and stage crews for the sector.”