By Lizzy Carr, Bauchi
The Nigerian National Troupe has revived children’s creative station in a bid to discover young talents as a first step towards creating more human capacity for the country’s growing creative economy.
Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Troupe, Ahmed Ahmed disclosed this at a three-day National Troupe of Nigeria Children’s Creative Station workshop for 10 selected secondary school students in Bauchi.
According to him, the workshop is aimed at introducing the students to the rudimental foundations upon which the participating schools are expected to develop performances based on the theme of the edition, “Unity in Diversity”.
“National Troupe encourages the development of children’s theatre so as to inculcate National values in them. This is the first time the children’s creative Station workshop is taking place outside Lagos and Abuja to other states to search for more talents,” Ahmed said.
He added that the children will be equipped with the rudiments of theatre for expression of prime national aspiration such as the promotion of unity in diversity, patriotism and rights of the child as fundamental human rights.
“The National Troupe of Nigeria Children’s Creative Station was instituted in 2010 to engage children creativity during summer holidays with a view to discovering and enhancing their talents and creativity in the area of performing arts”.
The artistic director said the program targets children and teens between the ages of five and 18 years, whose imaginations, talents and creativity are nurtured, developed and appreciated.
Project Coordinator of the station, Pamela Oduka said this time around, the workshop is held few days to school resumption so that the students can commence rehearsals with their school mates.
She said that the workshop will have an elimination stage and the schools will be reduced to three during the command performance.
The station is being supported by Bauchi state government, UNICEF and North East Development Commission (NEDC).
