The National Theatre, once a symbol of national pride, has fallen into disrepair, with its problems extending beyond the physical structure. While the building’s exterior and interior amenities deteriorate, officials seem to be relying on foreign assistance to revive it.
According to Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mark Okraku Mantey, efforts to collaborate with the Chinese government to renovate the National Theatre have been hindered by the frequent change of Chinese ambassadors to Ghana, making it challenging to establish a consistent partnership to address the theatre’s decline.
“We keep trying to get support from the Chinese government because they built the facility, but it’s been back and forth because they keep changing their ambassadors”.
“It’s been so many years since the facility was built, and some of the technology have become outmoded, and apart from China, it will be difficult to get them from other countries,” he said.
The National Theatre which was launched on December 30, 1992, to promote Ghana’s theatre movement, has been struggling after Its construction, which began on March 8, 1990.
At a recent appearance before the Public Accounts Committee, Deputy Minister Mark Okraku Mantey, accompanied by National Theatre management, emphasized the need for Chinese expertise to restore the facility.
He stated that since the theatre was built by the Chinese, they possess the necessary technical knowledge and technology to effectively renovate and maintain the physical structure.
Deputy Minister Mark Okraku Mantey acknowledged that the National Theatre’s management had made efforts to maintain the facility over the years, but conceded that these efforts were insufficient.
He noted that, considering the theatre’s age, the situation would have been even more critical if no maintenance had been done at all, highlighting the need for more effective preservation and restoration measures.
“It’s been relatively not as bad as it’s been painted to the public. If you look at how much they make and how much they will need to maintain it, it will only take the government to assist in that regard,” the deputy minister said.
Since its inception in 1992, the National Theatre has served as a versatile venue for various events, including performances, exhibitions, and screenings.
However, to stay relevant in today’s technologically advanced world, it’s essential to integrate modern equipment and innovative technologies like digital, mixed, and enhanced reality to elevate and expand the scope of performances.
This transformation would not only enhance the audience’s experience but also provide artists with new tools to push the boundaries of their creativity, making the National Theatre a hub for innovative storytelling and artistic expression.
