JUSTICE GODFERY OKAMGBA

History was made in the Nigerian film industry, on Sunday, when Terra Kulture launched it’s 400-seater theatre called Terra Kulture Arena, situated at Tiamiyu Savage Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Obviously, this is a feat that is unprecedented in the Nigerian film industry, where there seem to be inadequate number of theatres to showcase stage performances. This is one of the delimitating factors affecting artistic talents inherent in Nigeria.

With about 300 theatres in London, while Lagos with over 20 million population can only boast of a few theatres, up and coming artistes find it difficult to showcase their full potentials.

Interestingly, the privately-owned theatre decorated with sophisticated artistic facilities will complement stage performances, while bringing out full potentials of artistes.

For about 15 years of existence, Terra Kulture has carved a niche for itself and maintained a reputation as a centre for stage productions by both local and international theatre groups.

The said project does not only offer the theatre industry a boost, but also positions Lagos, as one of the leading cities for artistic entertainment in Africa.

At the launch of the multi million dollars project , all invitees were entertained with series of musical displays, plays and movies.

“Kudos to Wakaa: The Musical team, they killed it all. Bolanle Austen-Peters, the fearless woman who is behind all these has been wonderful to young artistes in Nigeria, she has been like a mother to them,” a member of Waka Musical team, told The Luxury Reporter.

Meanwhile, a few scenes from Wakaa: The Musical were staged in London and South Africa last year, were performed on stage at the opening of the new theatre.

As part of the initiative, more of performances by Wakaa: The Musical group will be live at the Terra Kulture Theatre throughout the month of April.  Tickets are already on sale at various outlets.

“The journey that started about 15 years hasn’t been easy, but we have gotten many supports from many organisations and individuals, Bolanle Austen-Peters, CEO, Terra Kulture said.

She explained that the art industry in Nigeria if properly harnessed, has the potentials of creating quantum of jobs for the Nigerian populace.

“The creative industry is a key driver of the Nigerian economy, some of our musical displays that got applauded both locally and internationally were created by bunch of talents we have in Nigeria. Nigeria can become a developed country, if we start investing in people, by building industries like this one, ” she added.