There will be no activity to celebrate World Theatre Day today, with National Theatre Association of Malawi (Ntam) having nothing to offer on Thursday.
This was also the case on World Theatre Day for Children and Young People on March 20. World Theatre Day falls on March 27 after it was initiated in 1961. International Theatre Institute initiated the day to celebrate drama.
Come Saturday, Ntam leaders will be on the ground, hosting their annual general meeting (AGM) in Salima District.
Top on the agenda are elections of National Executive Committee (Nec) members. Current leader Maxwell Chiphinga, popularly known as Max DC, who will not seek re-election, said on Wednesday that they would have loved to celebrate World Theatre Day with activities but that due to the AGM, they cannot manage to do so.
“We just had to concentrate on one event and kill the other,” Chiphinga, who is a seasoned actor and playwright, said. He encouraged theatre practitioners to continue creating.
“We also need to adjust and move with the times as well as understand how people want to consume theatre products and package them accordingly,” Chiphinga said. On the AGM, Chiphinga, who drives Emancipation Theatrical Ensemble, said they would also be reviewing their constitution as it has gaps that need to be revisited.
“The world is changing, members should be able to participate [in activities] and even vote online and, for this to occur, it must be factored into the constitution,” he said. Chiphinga called upon members to transact business at the AGM with prudence for the betterment of the theatre body.
Ntam Board Chairperson Timothy Chikoja said on Wednesday that preparations for the elections were complete and that they were just waiting for the day.
“The elections are long overdue because the term for the current Nec expired. All the positions are up for grabs,” Chikoja said.
According to the list of candidates, the position of president will see a battle of Harriet Kanyenda, Louis Thembachako Masamba and Steve Kango, whose name was still on pending as of Wednesday, when he was awaiting the board’s decision.
The other names seeking office include Sam Sambo (vice president), Wanangwa Phiri and Precious Denja (secretary general), Mildred Murindiwa (vice secretary general), Shadreck Jumaina and Charles Mphoka (treasurer general), Gibson Chisale (publicity secretary) and Macxytings Mdoka (vice publicity secretary).
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