By Sam Anokam / Assistant Life Editor
The National Troupe of Nigeria drew the curtains on its tour of Kogi, Ekiti and Kwara on Monday with a performance at the University of Ilorin. A drama workshop for students of the department of theatre arts of the University conducted by the Director in charge of Drama of the National Troupe Ms. Josephine Igberaese and the Head of Music Mr. Mike Anyanwu preceded the staging of ‘Ajoyo’ (Celebration), a dance drama, which highlights the need for unity, love and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
The Troupe had earlier performed in Lokoja and at the Igbo Community Hall in Kabba, Kogi State on Thursday and Friday respectively. They equally put up a show stopping performance in Ado Ekiti and in Iyin Ekiti last Saturday and Sunday.
At each point of performance, the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NTN Mr. Akin Adejuwon reiterated that apart from being his first major foot forward within his vision of making the Troupe current, relevant and responsive, the tour, which is planned to cover the 36 states of the country is a way of showing that there is so much that the performing arts can contribute to nation building. ‘’Part of what I have also used this tour to do is to talk to our youths especially those interested in the performing arts on the various empowerment programme that the transformative administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has provided that they can take advantage of to empower themselves. There is the YouWin programme of the Federal government, which they can access to properly establish their troupes and there is the new scheme I am starting at the National Troupe, which will provide free training and exposure to deserving and outstanding performing arts companies around the country,’’ the Artistic Director said.
Meanwhile the National Troupe is to perform at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2014 edition of the Abuja Carnival. The carnival which began on November 26 closed on November 29.
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