By Caleb Ayansina

NOLLYWOOD Veteran Actress, Joke Silva, Patrick Otoro and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry are leaving no stone unturned to rejuvenate stage and theatre shows among Nigerians living in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

To this end, a 3-man play written by Onukaba Ojo entitled: ‘Her Majesty’s Visit’ to be presented in December 12 and 13 by Eagleview Arts Production, featuring Joke Silva, Patrick Otoro and Najite Dede, in Abuja.

Addressing journalists on the forthcoming stage play, Joke Silva appealed to government at all levels to institute a policy that would rejuvenate live-theatre stage among Nigerians.

Silva said: “Our Government must put up policies that would make theatres accessible to  art lovers and the people generally. Theatre plays an ambassadorial and intellectual role in the society either as entertainment or culture. It brings you close to your audience, encouraging more understanding and interaction between the actor and the audience unlike the screen movies. There is neither restriction nor barriers.”

Speaking earlier, the producer of the play, Patrick Otoro, expressed concern over the dilapidated nature of the existing theatres across the country, as some of them had been turned to commercial ventures.

He said ‘live theatre seems to be in comatose’ in the nation political capital, and there is need to bring it back.

Giving the synopsis of the play, Otoro said the play x-rayed migration challenges, the mother-in-law factor in the African family setting where a man that is the husband is caught in between his wife and mother.

According to him, the play, which is multifaceted, will correct the impression that the grass is always greener on the other side for those who leave the country and seek better life in Europe and other places.

The Director of the play, Chidi Ugwu, added that staging ‘Her Majesty’s Visit’ was not just to bring back live theatre in Abuja but to also add quality and promote entertainment in the FCT.