National Theatre is voice for young artists – Executive Director

THE Acting Executive Director of the National Theatre, Henry Malm, has pledged support for young theatre production companies and emerging artists by providing a platform to showcase their work.

He noted that many young companies mistakenly believe the National Theatre was exclusively for established production companies. 

He, however, dispelled the notion and pointed out that the National Theatre served as a voice for both Ghanaian theatre and young creatives, too.

Speaking to Graphic Showbiz on June 23 on the sidelines of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing with Image Bureau, Mr Malm said the National Theatre aimed to promote Ghanaian talent, preserve cultural heritage and elevate theatre beyond traditional boundaries.

“It is my hope that the legacy of the National Theatre will be built on the foundation of nurturing and promoting Ghanaian talent, preserving our cultural traditions to make it attractive both locally and internationally. And that is why it’s important to provide the needed support for all to thrive irrespective of your background.

“Since its establishment in 1992, the mandate of the National Theatre has been to promote our rich culture through theatre, and we have been doing that without bias. So we are the voice of theatre and young playwrights and artists should approach us since we are enjoined by our mandate to help,” he said.

This conversation comes in the wake of a season where the National Theatre has been buzzing with back-to-back theatre productions in the last month.

First, it was Fiifi Coleman’s Production that kicked off the month of June with the play, Dilemma of a Ghost. This was followed by comedian and skit-maker Jeffrey Nortey’s 3 Faces of Jeffrey Nortey, put together by Kasa Entertainment.

Last week, courtesy of Africa Arts Network, theatre patrons had a good time with HoneyMoon, a play directed by filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso.

Come tomorrow, Friday, June 27-July 6, Uncle Ebo Whyte’s Roverman Productions will stage its second quarter play, Love on the Ropes.(Read National Theatre and Image Bureau sign MOU for new play in August)

And already, the National Theatre is collaborating with Image Bureau and April Communications for their new play, The King and the Horseman, in August. 

Mr Malm said the National Theatre offered various packages to cater to diverse needs, ensuring everyone could benefit from their facilities and services, regardless of whether you're a well-established production company or an emerging one. 

 “There are many activities happening here daily, not just on weekends. The main auditorium of the National Theatre is not the only place here to host events and productions. There is the Folks Place and even the foyer, which people use for their events. So you don’t have to wait to be big like Roverman Productions or Image Bureau to come to the National Theatre,” he said. 

He mentioned that the National Theatre also utilised theatre as a tool for social change and development, addressing issues such as education, health and civic engagement. 

“By collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and community organisations, targeted theatre programmes can be developed to promote cultural heritage and national identity,” he added.