By Philip Yatai
International Improv and Playback Theatre Festival, Africa’s first global gathering, focusing on social justice, community engagement, mental health, and resilience building has officially begun in Abuja.
Malam Ibrahim Aminu, Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat (SDS), Federal Capital Territory Administration, said at the opening of the event on Sunday, that the festival would project Nigeria’s creative sector to the world.
Aminu, who was represented by Mrs Nonye Obi,Director Finance and Account, said that the festival brought together creative minds, practitioners, educators, development partners, and advocates from across the world.
He said that the global gathering reaffirms FCT’s shared belief that creativity transcends borders and that together, we can shape a more compassionate, inclusive, and resilient society.
He commended the organiser of the event, Access to Creative Play Foundation and its partners, for making the unique gathering possible.
“Your vision demonstrates the transformative power of the arts in promoting healing, inclusion, peacebuilding, mental well-being, and sustainable community development.
“The FCT Social Development Secretariat remains committed to policies and programmes that empower vulnerable populations, strengthen families, protect children, promote gender equality, support persons with disabilities, and foster social cohesion.
“We recognise that creative arts, storytelling, and participatory theatre are powerful tools for inspiring dialogue, addressing social challenges, and building resilient communities,” he said.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, SDS, Mr Olubunmi Olowookere, noted that organising an international festival of this scale, and bringing it to African soil for the very first time required imagination, perseverance and teamwork.
Olowookere, who was represented by the Director Art and Culture, SDS, Mrs Ngozi Ogugua, expressed optimism that the event would mark the beginning of lasting cultural collaboration, mentorship and exchange between artistes and communities.
Also, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Obi Asika, said that the centre was working with the ministry to expand, build platforms that would help monitise the sector.
Represented by the Director of Human Resources Management, Mrs Vivian Onyeabo, the D-G added that the centre has also been working with the Ministry of Justice to make sure that intellectual property in Nigeria is properly monetised.
Asika also stressed the need to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a tool to enhance creative works in art, music and other creative arts.
On his part, Mr Oluwadamilola Abdulai-Apotieri, Executive Director, Access to Play, explained that the festival would explore unscripted live theatre performances.
Abdulai-Apotieri, who is also the Artistic Director of the Ensemble Improv Theatre, the curator of the festival brought together artists, educators, humanitarian and development practitioners, corporate leaders, and community facilitators from Africa and the world.
He added that the festival would feature hands-on workshops, masterclasses, live interactive performances, and networking sessions.
He explained that the workshops would be led by local and international facilitators covering performance techniques, facilitation, applied theatre, and ensemble collaboration.
“The festival merges two art forms – Playback Theatre, where real stories shared by the audience are enacted on stage, and Improv Theatre, unscripted performance that connects people through laughter and play.
“It was inspired by creative exchanges from the Vintage Improv Festival, SAVI Improv Festival, and Oslo Improv Festival,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru