Uganda theatre festival hits Bat valley theatre

 THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL 

Uganda theatre and performing arts festival returns to rejuvenate theatre industry that has been declining.

The industry according to Mariam Ndagire, the director theatre and performing artists in Uganda suffered because of pasionate and talented Thepians migrating to other medium platforms such as Radio and TV.

Mariam Ndagire addressing the media on incoming theatre and arts performing festival. This was at Bate Valley Theatre Kampala on October 29, 2019.Photo by Ramadhan Abbey

Ndagire says the looming festival set to take place between November 4-10 at Bat Valley Theatre is intended to support the industry grow.

"We have not come to make money. But our aim is to support the industry to grow. This is the industry which groomed and supported us," she says.

She notes that there is need to support the local arts industry to grow. "The countries where the industry grew, it was supported by its own people," she added.

The festival launched in May with 10 companies registering into the competition, whereas two resident groups at Bat valley theatre registered for exhibition. But as we talk now the participating teams have dropped to six.

He noted that festival will see participant show casing talent, discipline, self-esteem passion and spirit for the industry.

The competition will see the winner walk away with prizes cash. Best actor Sh500, 000 Certificate and the award. Best actress Sh500,000 Certificate and an award, best production will walk away with Sh1000,000 with an award, viewers' choice Sh100,000, with viewer's choice certificate

Among the six participants include Horizon motion films, Oceans entertainment, Lams production, Streamline Entertainment Sky Entertainers Banamasaka

One of the judges, Henry Mpinga, said; "We shall be looking for issues such as the character in the play in line with the theme.

Mariam Ndagire the director of Theatre and performing Artists interacts with the Judge Aaron Ntulo Matovu after the press conference on the theatre and arts performing Festival. This was at Bate Valley Theatre Kampala

"The family the thread that meets culture and development," is theme for this for the festival.

Chris Lwanga from Uganda Theatre Association said, the festival is timely since it is aimed at skilling young talented artists which will develop the industry.

Integrity of the perform artist according to Aaron Ntulo, another change will fetch points for the participants on top of their confidence.

"As judge we will stick to the rules and regulations in order to maintain the integrity of the festival," Ntulo said.