By Adeniran Makinde, fta
The National Theatre of Nigeria, an iconic cultural landmark, was conceived as the heart of artistic expression and national identity. Since its establishment in 1976, it has been a symbol of Nigeria’s artistic vibrancy, hosting landmark performances, festivals, and exhibitions that celebrate the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
However, the refusal of the Bankers’ Committee and the Nigerian government to reopen the theatre to the public has led to a severe artistic and cultural drought. This decision is stifling creativity, limiting artistic opportunities, and crippling an industry that depends on spaces like this to thrive.
A Betrayal of Culture and the Arts
Keeping the National Theatre closed contradicts its original purpose. When the Bankers’ Committee took over its renovation under the Creative Industries Initiative, the promise was clear: to revamp the structure and reinvigorate Nigeria’s creative economy. Instead, what was supposed to be a revitalization project has become a systematic exclusion of the very people the theatre was built for.
Rather than serving as a hub for Nigerian artists, actors, musicians, and creatives, the theatre has become an exclusive space, accessible only to select individuals and corporate events. This exclusion is not only detrimental but also insulting to the cultural sector, which has long suffered from governmental neglect.
The arts require space to breathe, grow, and flourish. Denying artists access to this historic institution is akin to locking away a nation’s soul. A National Theatre that is not open to the people is a contradiction in terms—it ceases to function as a public cultural space and instead becomes an elitist property controlled by financial interests with little connection to the artistic community.
The Devastating Impact on Nigeria’s Creative Sector
The Nigerian creative economy, particularly the performing arts, already faces significant infrastructural challenges. With very few dedicated performance spaces, artists are left scrambling for inadequate, expensive, or inappropriate venues. The continued closure of the National Theatre has had profound consequences:
- Loss of Performance Spaces – Major productions that require a world-class venue are left without options. Stage plays, musical performances, dance recitals, and film screenings all suffer as a result.
- Economic Hardship for Artists and Cultural Workers – The creative industry employs thousands of Nigerians, from playwrights and directors to stagehands and technicians. The absence of a functioning National Theatre means fewer jobs, fewer productions, and a decline in economic activity within the sector.
- Erosion of Cultural Identity – Nigeria’s artistic legacy is built on storytelling, performance, and shared cultural experiences. By keeping the National Theatre closed, the government and financial institutions are actively contributing to the erasure of this identity.
- Decline in Audience Engagement – The theatre serves as a bridge between artists and the public. If audiences are denied access to performances, exhibitions, and cultural events, there is a gradual disconnect between the people and their cultural expressions.
- International Reputational Damage – As Africa’s cultural powerhouse, Nigeria should have a thriving national theatre that attracts international collaborations and festivals. Instead, the prolonged closure signals a lack of commitment to the arts, discouraging potential investors, sponsors, and global partnerships.
The Way Forward: Reclaiming the National Theatre
It is unacceptable that a public institution meant for artistic development remains off-limits to the very people it was built to serve. The Bankers’ Committee and the government must take immediate action:
- Reopen the National Theatre to the Public – Access should not be restricted. The theatre must function as an open and inclusive space for artists to rehearse, perform, and engage audiences.
- Establish an Independent Cultural Management Body – The theatre’s administration should not be left in the hands of financial institutions. A board comprising artists, cultural professionals, and government representatives should oversee its operation to ensure it serves the creative community.
- Implement a Clear Artistic Policy – The government must articulate a policy that guarantees regular programming of plays, concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events at the theatre, ensuring inclusivity and affordability.
- Develop Additional Cultural Infrastructure – Beyond reopening the National Theatre, the government must invest in creative spaces across the country to decentralize artistic opportunities and support cultural growth nationwide.
Conclusion
The continued closure of the National Theatre is a betrayal of Nigeria’s creative spirit. If the government and the Bankers’ Committee are truly committed to fostering a thriving creative economy, they must prioritize access, inclusivity, and artistic expression.
The National Theatre is not just a building; it is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s cultural identity. Keeping it closed silences a generation of creative voices that deserve to be heard. Now is the time to reopen its doors and restore it to its rightful place at the center of Nigeria’s artistic renaissance.
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