A rebirth at National Theatre

The National Theatre Iganmu looks brand new, and this is a fall out of the extensive renovation work going on there which is aimed at raising the edifice to become a world class facility, the first time this is happening in its 35-year history. Nigeria’s National Theatre is currently undergoing a major renovation which will […]

The National Theatre Iganmu looks brand new, and this is a fall out of the extensive renovation work going on there which is aimed at raising the edifice to become a world class facility, the first time this is happening in its 35-year history.

Nigeria’s National Theatre is currently undergoing a major renovation which will help to position it for its great cultural destiny. This is the first time in its 35-year history that a major upgrade, of the kind seen by this reporter, is taking place. All the offices within the complex had either undergone or are presently undergoing a transformation. This is to make the work environment conducive for the staff, and would encourage them to give their best.

A visitor is impressed with the glowing corridors as well as the neat ceiling. The statue of Queen Amina which once graced the grounds of the theatre will soon be restored and many are looking forward to the event.

A few workmen are busy painting there, or fixing brand new tiles. Quality items have been bought for the entire exercise and a lot of office equipment had been evacuated from offices to give the workmen space to carry out their various tasks.

Kabir Yusuf is the London-trained General Manager of the National Theatre, and most of the changes being witnessed at the theatre are at his behest. He has a great vision for the theatre and is keen on transforming it into a world class facility. He tells Weekly Trust that “my vision is for the master plan to be followed. We want to lease out some of the land around the theatre to property investors. They will be encouraged to build shopping malls, hotels, banks, offices, and all these will complement the theatre.  The revenues generated will be used to support the renovation of the main bowl of the theatre. In this way, the National Theatre will be able to sustain itself, simply by using its land creatively.”

He is of the view that at that stage the theatre will be fully in use, and will be capable of attracting a foreign troupe to perform in the main bowl which is capable of accommodating some 4-5,000 persons at any time. He also tells Weekly Trust that the Lagos Light Rail project will result in the construction of a train station to the theater, and this will be highly significant in terms of wooing an audience to stop over at the theatre to watch a performance or two.

His words: “the light rail project will make the theatre more viable. This is of high value, although it is not part of the original master plan for the theatre.”

Next, he speaks on the challenges faced by the theatre. Finance is the greatest of these, he confesses. His words: “finance is the greatest challenge. Legislators allocate figures which cannot run the theatre. If we propose an envelope to the government, this is often sliced by the government, and they give the National Troupe much more than is given the theatre itself.” He states that since the beginning of this year, the theatre has hardly been able to pay its light and diesel bills. On the other hand, the National Troupe, which is like a tenant in the theatre, does not pay for light or diesel. This is a paradox, he emphasises.

As part of the renovation work within the theatre, is the plan to renovate a number of pianos. The Main Exhibition Hall 1 is ready for commissioning. This hall can accommodate some 1, 500 persons, and has a computerized audio and lighting system. And countless air-conditioning systems as well. The hall simply glows. Another major hall has been beautified with a set of Chandeliers. It is a very moving sight.

Mrs. Suriat Ayankoya is the Assistant Hall Manager at the Theatre, and is one of the pioneer staff. On the ongoing renovation work, she says “I am very happy about the renovation effort. The place was an eyesore before. Now, it is very beautiful to look at. It reminds of the 1980s when I first joined the services of the National Theatre and the edifice was brand new. Here we are trained to be very punctual. If you leave the theatre to set up your own establishment, you are bound to do well, on account of the training and orientation we get here.”