National Theatre closes down for rehabilitation

Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - National Theatre of Ghana would be closed down for a year for rehabilitation works, Mr Afari Aboagye, Coordinator Theatre Development and Education, said on Thursday.

The closure would begin on November 30, 2004 to November 30, 2005. Mr Aboagye speaking to the Media on this year's Kiddafest, said the function would be held at Efua Sutherland's Children's Park in Accra.

Mr Aboagye, who is also the Chairman of Kiddafest 2004 Planning Committee, said the theatre welcomed the refurbishment.

"It was going to make the theatre offer better entertainment to the public.

He said when the refurbishment, which would be undertaken by the Chinese Government was completed; the Management would ban chewing of gums in and around the Theatre.

Mr Aboagye said it was regrettable that some persons carelessly threw chewing gums in the theatre halls and its surroundings, adding "some of the chairs have so many gums on their arms, while the carpets were not be left out and one finds it difficult removing them".

When asked how the Theatre was going to enforce the ban on chewing gum, Mr Aboagye said "people would not be allowed to sell gum in or around the Theatre and people who were found chewing gums would be made to put them in litter bins."

Mr Aboagye said some countries had been successful in enforcing the ban on chewing gums in their theatres and Ghana could also do likewise. Touching on this year's Kiddafest, which begins on December 16 to December 20, Mr Aboagye said this years event is under the theme: "The Youth Our Children" and would it focus on the physically challenged children.

Mr Aboagye said the Theatre's Engineers were going to ensure that the Park got the requisite facilities including tents, water and electricity to make the programmes lively.

On security he said personnel of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service and the Ghana Armed Forces would provide security during the programme.

The KIDAFEST programme, he said, would draw 10,000 children including Liberians living at the Budumburam camp in Ghana, Nigeria and Togo. Other side attraction would include featuring Ghana's Hiplife and Gospel Artistes, travelling to tourist sites, excursion to the Castle and Parliament and airlifting.

"Children Artistes, who perform very well, would be awarded," Mr Aboagye said.

Sponsors of this year Kiddafest include Promasidor Ghana Limited; Ghana Chamber of Mines; United State Embassy - Public Affairs; Ghana Textile Printing Company and Akosombo Textiles Company Limited.

Others are Abantu for Development, Produce Buying Company, UNICEF, Ghana Education Service, Accra Metropolitan Assembly and members of National Theatre Board.