National troupe set for massive reforms

The National Troupe of Nigeria is set for reformation through sustained engagement of artistes and private public partnership.

Ahmed Mohammed, artistic director and  Chief Executive Officer of the troupe, said this in in Abuja.

He said the reforms  were necessary because the number of artistes in the troupe had dwindled.

“Basically, we don’t have the dancers. When we look at the troupe,  we are looking at musicians,  dancers and we are looking at people who are able to act. This is because we also do stage drama showcasing some life changing experiences in Nigeria. We look our own peculiarities and who will be able to project certain cultures in a very good light,” he said.

” We don’t have that kind of team.  I think for the past two, three years, we  have not had that kind of team. Now that I’m here, I’m trying to look at how I will reposition the troupe. Part of what we are to do is that we  are going to do auditioning. That auditioning could be at the zonal levels within the country. This will give us the kind of artistes and pattern we want and we will ensure that they have required resources and tools to work with like  costumes, ” Mohammed said.

DIRECTION

According to him, the troupe is also focusing on those already engaged in theatre such as members of art councils in states.

“And because some of our staff that are responsible for that kind of engagements have left the service. Most of them are civil servants and they are not replaced. This  is part of what I’m trying to do to ensure that we have the right people at the right place to be able to do the right things  for us,” he said.

The director, however, stressed the need to have vehicles that would convey members of the troupe for engagements across the country.