The festival with the theme: Peacebuilding, Performing Arts and the Society, with performances from Romania, Jamaica, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria is the first of its kind in FCT and seeks to demonstrate the power of theatre in national development. Workshops, seminars, and other professional programmes are outlined to feature during the festival
THE Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, NTDA, and the National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) have thrown their weights behind the Abuja International Theatre Festival and Awards (ABITFA)
Director General, Folorunsho Coker expresses the agency’s willingness to partner with the festival, saying: This is a very good initiative, and we are pleased to play a part in ensuring its success. It provides us the opportunity to advance the proposition by our agency that there is a need to put structures in place for the showcasing and advancement of our cultural and creative products.”
He admonished the team, led by Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo, to ensure that the festival’s planning is seamless, as the image of Nigeria is at stake. “You must ensure that your international guests have a memorable experience that will become a testimony to the hospitality of Nigeria and then become a testimony for your festival going forward,” He added.
Other members of the team were: Esther Onwuka, Deputy National President, NANTAP, and Co-Artistic for ABITFA 2023; Husayn Zaguru, Oluwaseun Odukoya and Lami Ojo.
On its part, the National Troupe of Nigeria, another agency of the culture ministry and Nigeria’s apex performing troupe, has declared its support for the festival.
The NTN, which had previously supported Arojah Royal Theatre’s cultural partnership initiative under which a Polish play, Out At Sea, was produced in November 2021 , believes that the idea of an Abuja International Theatre Festival is a welcome idea.
“Despite our limitations at the moment, you can always count on our support,” stated he Troupe’s management. “This is a great idea that requires the support of everyone within and outside the cultural sector. The NTN is proud to be associated with this,” said Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Mohammed, the artistic director and Chief Executive Officer.
The Department of Art and Culture, FCT Social Development Secretariat is another of a handful of cultural organisations that have shown interest in partnering with ABITFA.
“Yes! Director of the Department of Art and Culture, Mr. Kayode Aiyegbusi has communicated the approval of his department and the Social Development Secretariat to be part of the festival, and the Cyprian Ekwesnsi Centre for Arts and Culture will be one of the two major venues for our 5 day festival.” Jerry Adesewo explained.
The festival with the theme: Peacebuilding, Performing Arts and the Society, with performances from Romania, Jamaica, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria is the first of its kind in FCT and seeks to demonstrate the power of theatre in national development. Workshops, seminars, and other professional programmes are outlined to feature during the festival.
The final festival programme will be announced on October 2.
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