Some residents of Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital, have called for the promotion and awareness of theatre arts.
They made the call on Saturday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the occasion of the World Theatre Day.
NAN reports that the day is observed every March 27 to raise the importance of theatre arts, how the practitioners play important roles in the field of entertainment and how they mirror the ills of society.
Theatre is an art concerned almost exclusively with live performances in which the actions are precisely planned to create a coherent and significant sense of drama.
It uses live performers such as actors and actresses to present experience of a real and imagined event before a live audience.
Mr Michael Ade, an enthusiast and a resident, said that there was need for governments and institutions to see the value of theatre to the society.
Ade said that theatre art has been one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Nigeria.
He said called on theatre arts professionals to harness young talents in the nation’s education sector.
“Awareness of this dramatic art needs to be promoted to harness the potential of young people who are interested in theatre arts,“ Ade said.
Mrs Sylvia Ikele, another enthusiast, told NAN that if theatre art was strengthened young people with talents would be recognised.
“Institutions and professionals in the theatre field need to help promote this art for lovers of theatre and for development, ” Ikele said.
Mr Kingsley Nwapor, a resident, called for the reawakening of arts and culture sector, for its value and economic growth. (NAN)