Uganda joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Theatre Day on  March 27 under the theme “Strengthening theatre Industry in Uganda for wealth creation and sustainable development”.

The celebrations held at Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) commonly known as the National Theatre had performances of “black mamba” written by John Rugunda, roundtable talk shows, and presentations.

World Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI). This day has been celebrated annually since 1967. The President of IDEA, Sanja Krsmanovic Tasic gave a keynote address as she redefined the global map of Culture and Arts Education during the opening of the celebrations.

Prof. Mercy with visitors during the World Theatre Day celebrations

Francis Peter Ojede, the Executive Director of UNNC said that this day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the important role that theatre plays in our society and to honor the talented artists and professionals who work tirelessly to bring us the magic of the stage.

“Theatre has the power to move us, to inspire us, and to challenge us to see the world in new ways. It is a unique form of art that engages all of our senses,” he said.

Ojede said that as we celebrate World Theatre Day 2023, we recognize the resilience and creativity of our industry in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Edwin Mukalazi acting in play called black mamba at the National Theatre

“The pandemic has forced us to adapt and find new ways of connecting with audiences, and we are proud of the innovative work that has emerged from these difficult times,” he said.

Jessica Atwooki Kaahwa, the President of Uganda Center of International Theatre Institute (ITI)Theatre in Uganda said like elsewhere in the world, Uganda has been affected by several issues, as well as perennial socio-political, economic, and cultural construction.

Uganda Centre for ITI and its partners are excited to ensure theatre lives and thrives by doing several things and among them is taking theatre back to the communities where it was uprooted, integrating children in theatre activities, and archiving folkloric dramatic expressions as a way of fostering theatrical traditions of Uganda.

She encouraged the Upcoming Theatre Practitioners to continue writing their comedies, satires, and the tragedies of our times.

“Our centre with the support of Emerging Theatre Artists has set up a library and in-residence space for play writers and designers to utilize in the realization of their creativity. This is the Center’s effort to give  theatre the opportunity to live and thrive in the hands of the people who are to take it forward,” Atwooki said.

In her key message, Samiha Ayoub, a renowned Egyptian actress said that theatre in its original essence is a purely human act based on the true essence of humanity, which is life. 

“In the words of the great pioneer Konstantin Stanislavsky, "Never come into the theatre with mud on your feet. Leave your dust and dirt outside. Check your little worries, squabbles, petty difficulties with your outside clothing – all the things that ruin your life and draw your attention away from your art – at the door," She said

"When we ascend the stage, we ascend it with only one life within us for one human being, but this life has a great ability to divide and reproduce to turn into many lives that we broadcast in this world so that it comes to life, flourishes and spreads its fragrance to others."

Samiha said What we do in the world of theatre as playwrights, directors, actors, scenographers, poets, musicians, choreographers, and technicians, all of us without exception, is an act of creating a life that did not exist before we got on stage.