By Lukman Olabiyi
Lagos is on the verge of a cultural renaissance, with the imminent reopening of the National Art Theatre, now rebranded as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts. This historic landmark, situated in Iganmu, Lagos, is set to unveil its renewed grandeur in October, heralding a new chapter for Nigeria’s creative and economic landscape.
Opened in 1976, the National Art Theatre has long stood as a symbol of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. However, years of neglect saw the theater’s influence wane, its once vibrant role as an arts hub diminished. Now, after years of anticipation, the renovation project promises not just a facelift but a comprehensive transformation, aiming to restore and enhance the theater’s role in Nigeria’s cultural life.
The redevelopment features state-of-the-art facilities, including a grand auditorium and versatile theatre spaces designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of artistic expressions from theater and film to music and dance. These modern upgrades are expected to elevate the quality of performances, attract global talents and spark new artistic collaborations.
The refurbished theatre will provide a platform for emerging and established artists, fostering local talent and nurturing Nigeria’s creative sectors. It is anticipated to become a magnet for cultural tourism, drawing international visitors and showcasing Nigeria’s artistic vibrancy on the world stage.
Local businesses stand to benefit significantly from the theatre’s reopening. The influx of visitors will likely boost economic activities in the surrounding area, enhancing opportunities for local restaurants, hotels and retail outlets. The renovation is also expected to generate numerous employment opportunities, spanning construction, management, technical support and artistic roles.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently inspected the ongoing renovations and expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress. He praised the collaborative efforts of the Bankers’ Committee and various stakeholders, emphasising that the revitalized centre will not only bolster the arts but also serve as a venue for international conferences and world-class performances.
The governor, who was very excited by the transformation in the centre in the last four years, said, when completed, it would promote arts, tourism and culture, adding that it would also be a place where the international community could converge for conferences and host world-class performances, among other activities.
He said: “I am truly excited at the work the Bankers’ Committee has been able to do. They have truly shown us that, when we put our minds to things as a country and as a people, we can get the best out of ourselves.
“When we all came here four or five years ago, we were discouraged and saddened by what we saw at one of our national treasures. But what has happened in the last four to five years, and *with what we see today during our tour, we have brought back the old glory even in a bigger, better, and more transformative way. I commend all the professionals and companies that have put this together.
“I think it is going to be a place where international audiences will see that we are ready to take the world by storm in entertainment, tourism, creativity and, more importantly, business conferences and seminars that we all go to attend in other parts of the world.
“It is a one-stop shop that has everything you can imagine, comparable to any other world conference centre. It also has an additional flavour of arts and culture. By the way, the Blue Line train that we built all around here speaks to the entire infrastructure that has made this place a complete stop for Nigerians.
“The newly rebirth Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts is on the way to open its door to the public, courtesy of the Lagos State Government and the Bankers Committee that have done the work.
The special adviser to the governor on tourism, arts and culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, said, when completed, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts would compete favourably with the international community as a tourist attraction.
Aregbe said it would also promote the entertainment industry, take a lot of youth off the street, and generate employment opportunities for many Nigerians in the creative industry.
He said: “We are doing everything possible to ensure that the tourism, entertainment, and creative industries in Lagos are truly rising. Governor Sanwo-Olu is doing a lot for the people. The Centre is a huge one for citizens of Lagos.”
The renovation has garnered support from various quarters. Theatre practitioner, author, broadcaster, and social activist, Mr. Adeniran Makinde shared his thoughts on the ongoing renovation of the National Theatre. He expressed optimism about the project, noting that the renovation appears to be restoring the building to its former glory.
However, Makinde emphasized that renovation alone is not enough. He stressed the importance of programming, as the lack of programmes was a major factor in the theatre’s decline in the past.
Makinde is hopeful that the new leadership under Tola Akinrele will address this issue and revive the performing arts sector.
He believes that the theatre’s iconic status will depend on the vibrancy and activity within it, rather than just its physical renovation.
Dr. Patrick-Jude Oteh, artistic director of Jos Repertory Theatre, praised the theatre as a national treasure and welcomed its renovation and re-naming after a global icon.
He acknowledged the positive transformation of the building and the potential for a cultural revival.
However, he voiced concerns about the theatre’s future. Oteh questioned whether the theatre would remain focused on showcasing the best of Nigerian culture or if it might become bogged down by bureaucracy.
He also worried about the affordability of using the theatre’s spaces for artists.
Oteh expressed hope that the nobel laureate, after whom the theatre is named, will ensure that the cultural landmark remains accessible to its core constituency.
A Yoruba art and culture promoter, Prince Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye, gave kudos to the Lagos State Government, Bankers Committee and other stakeholders who deem it fit to revive the art and culture promotion through the renovation of cultural edifice.
According the president and founder of Asa Day Worldwide Inc. Canada, the cultural edifice is likely to attract tourists interested in experiencing Nigeria’s vibrant arts scene and by drawing in international visitors, it will contribute to cultural tourism, showcasing Nigeria’s unique artistic heritage on a global stage.
The renovation of the National Art Theatre is poised to be a transformative development for Nigeria’s creative industry and economy. By rejuvenating this iconic venue, the country is not only preserving its cultural heritage but also investing in its future. The theatre’s reopening will undoubtedly be a milestone event, symbolizing a new era of artistic innovation and economic growth in Lagos and beyond. As Nigeria reclaims its place on the global cultural map, the impact of this project will reverberate through the creative sectors and the economy, fostering a vibrant and dynamic artistic community.