*By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu
The Association of Nigeria Theatre-Arts Practitioners (ANTP) is rejecting a new development of N20,000 payment for the use of open space for rehearsals at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.
The Association described the charges as ” draconian”.
The June 12 Cultural Centre management has, via a letter signed by F.J. Osanyinpeju requested the payment of N20,000 per day into the Wema Bank Account of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for rehearsals under a tree.
This, according to the statement, will amount to N240,000 for two weeks’ rehearsals.
The ANTP leadership in the state is, therefore, urging the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to restore the old order of free use of space for rehearsals.
ANTP Ogun State, in a conversation with this writer, also believes that the state government should be an encourager of thespians being the home state of Nigeria’s foremost theatre-artiste, Chief Hubert Ogunde, who won local and international accolades, for placing Nigeria on the world’ key performance index through meaningful dramatic performances.
The press statement reads in part:
“The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners is the foremost indigenous theatre arts association founded and registered in Nigeria by the frontline practitioners like Late Chiefs Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, Apostle Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala) Chief Akin. Ogungbe, Chief Jimoh Aliu, Chief Kola Ogunmola, Chief Ojo Ladipo, and many others.
“In response to a request by the Ogun State Chapter of ANTP for permission to hold rehearsals under a tree at the premises of the June 12 Cultural Centre, the Ogun State Government replied through a letter dated 8th March, 2024 with reference number CUL.046T1/3 which requested ANTP to pay #20,000 per day into the Wema Bank Account of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In other words, according to this letter signed by F.J, Osanyinpeju, ANTP is to pay #140,000 for a week or #280 for two weeks etc for rehearsal and not a performance, even under a tree with attendant unpredictable weather.
“Holding rehearsals within the confines of a cultural centre, including the National Theatre with due permission, is a regular occurrence. This will be the first administration even in Ogun State to charge theatre association such a humongous fee which is a clear attempt to rid practitioners of any sense of belonging to a place meant for arts and culture but is now a glorified events centre.
“Down memory lane, ANTP members played a significant role in a performance titled SUURU BABA IWA staged in honour of General Ibrahim Babangida at the then Gateway Hotel, that made him to bequeath a Cultural Centre to Ogun State.
“The action of Prince Dapo Abiodun is contrary to section 6.1.3. of the National Cultural Policy of Nigeria, which states that: “The State should support the associations and clubs through government subvention, grants and other forms or assistance.” This new policy will adversely affect the resuscitation of stage productions, which is already in decline in Ogun State.
“ANTP wishes to use this medium to reject this draconian charges and also call on well meaning citizens of Ogun State to prevail on the Ogun State Government to play a positive role in the development and advancement of theatre and film industry and not create obstacles for discovery of talents to the glory of Ogun State”.
