THE National Theatre of Ghana has come under sharp scrutiny from key industry stakeholders, including actor and playwright Fiifi Coleman, who called on management to “do their homework” to ease the burden on creatives who stage productions at the facility.
His comments came during a stakeholder engagement organised by the Theatre to unveil its 2026–2030 strategic plan titled Arts Accessible Everywhere for Everyone on Tuesday, March 24.
While the strategic plan appeared ambitious and forward-looking, stakeholders stressed that its success would ultimately depend on effective implementation and addressing longstanding operational challenges at the Theatre.
Addressing management, Fiifi Coleman questioned whether the new plan sufficiently addressed the root causes of the Theatre’s operational challenges.
“How did we get to where we are? That’s the first point. Have we drawn this plan to make sure that we don’t go back there again?” he asked.
He expressed concern about what he described as a lack of proper preparation and technical coordination, particularly in relation to infrastructure upgrades meant to support productions.
Before my last production, I saw a container with equipment being offloaded and said to myself, ‘at least there are some equipment to ease my burden’. But I came back and realised I still had to rent lights because what was brought didn’t match our system. Who did the homework?” he queried.
Coleman argued that such lapses shift unnecessary costs onto producers, undermining the spirit of collaboration the Theatre seeks to promote.
“When you present the institution ‘as is’, then everything becomes the producer’s problem. That is not collaboration. What I am bringing is what you are bringing; we are supposed to meet each other halfway,” he stressed.
Beyond technical concerns, he highlighted gaps in audience engagement and revenue systems, citing the absence of a functional box office as a major setback.
Other stakeholders, including George Quaye of Image Bureau and representative from Scribe Productions and a lecturer from the School of Performing Arts, backed Fiifi’s claims.
George Quaye also pointed out what he described as the unfair burden placed on producers, asking why they should be responsible for sourcing basic production materials and handling promotional duties.
“Why should a producer be burdened with getting simple things such as wood and even advertising a production? Somebody will call you to ask where to buy tickets. Should that be my worry when I’m collaborating with the National Theatre? These are basic elements the Theatre should be able to provide,” said.
“We recognise the frustrations of our stakeholders, including concerns like those raised by Fiifi Coleman. That is precisely why we brought everyone together to listen, engage and find solutions,” she said.
She assured stakeholders that the Theatre was committed to rebuilding trust and restoring its relevance within Ghana’s creative industry.
“Our goal is to take the National Theatre back to its days of glory. This strategic plan is not just a document; it is a commitment to doing things differently, to collaborating better, and to creating an institution that truly supports its creatives,” she added.
The Arts Accessible Everywhere for Everyone strategic plan is aimed at repositioning the institution as a future-proof, financially sustainable, green and innovative cultural hub.
Presentations by the Ag Executive Director, Mr Henry Herbert Malm, and Madam Amarteorkor Amarteifio highlighted four key objectives driving the vision.
They said the Theatre aims to become a financially resilient and environmentally responsible institution through diversified revenue streams, eco-tourism and green practices.
It also seeks to attract top local and international collaborators via co-productions, masterclasses and touring opportunities.
Additionally, the plan focuses on expanding audiences through digital streaming, interactive ticketing and audience loyalty programmes, while positioning the Theatre as a centre for creative education through a National Theatre Academy, youth camps and talent showcases.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh