The National Executive Council of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), the foremost Association in the Cultural sector in Nigeria led by its President Gregory Odutayo in collaboration with the Abuja Chapter led by Chris Paul Otaigbe is set to commemorate the International Theatre Day 2012 in a grand style in the federal capital territory, Abuja.

The annual International Theatre Day (ITD) which is celebrated every March 27th all over the world, was initiated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in Paris, France, under the auspices of UNESCO for the celebration of Theatre Arts and its relevance in positive Global Development. It is a day set aside to call attention to the plights of Theatre Artistes worldwide and for generating advocacy and support for the theatre.

In a press release by OZIOMA GODWIN OKOLI, NANTAP’s Director of Publicity, activities lined up for the 50th edition celebration includes a keynote lecture “Nigerian Theatre: To be or not to be” to be delivered by Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO).

Discussants on the topic include Culture & Theatre bigwigs like Dotun Osunsanya, Tunji Fatilewa, Denja Abdulahi, Dan Omatsola, Tony Shittu and AGN Abuja Chairman – Agility Nwaora. The Keynote lecture holds at the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts & Culture, Area 10, Garki Abuja at 9.00AM. Special Guests of Honour at the lecture will be Mr. George Ufot of the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation and Mrs. Nana Tsokwa, Director Abuja Arts & Culture.

NANTAP will also be celebrating its National Distinguished International Theatre Day Personality for 2012 in the person of Senator Suleiman Asonya Adokwe, a distinguished senator of the Federal republic of Nigeria representing Nassarawa state. Senator Adokwe was a former Deputy Director of culture, Artistic Director and Head of performing arts department in Plateau state. In the cause of his service, he wrote and or directed The Bumper Harvest, 1978 Plateau State entry for the National Festival of Arts and Culture, held in Lagos. Free Mandela (1986) Fund raising Drama in aid for anti-Apartheid fund, Plateau State Chapter, produced the Jarawa dance group in London and Geneva in 1988 for West Africa festival Village project, The Regent of Anah in 1992, A historical play which was Plateau State entry for the National festival of arts and culture held in Abuja. In 1993, he also directed “Tawanda”, a dance drama, cultural co-operation between Ferdelos of Switzerland and artists from France, Zimbabwe and Nigeria in Zurich. He also directed and produced the Jarawa dance group at the African festival of music in Congo in 1996...

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