The Gambia Actors of Theatre (GAMAT) on January 10thheld its 1stnational congress. The historic event brought together several theatre groups across the country also discussed the progress made in the Gambian theatre arts.
Speaking at the occasion the Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Nancy Njie, underscored the importance of theatre Arts in any developing country. She said that it plays a pivotal role in spreading vital information to people through singing, dancing and spoken word.
Secretary of State Njie called on the public and private sector to help boost theatre art in the country. She applauded the members of the group for the laudable initiative.
"It's sad that now a days in The Gambia watching theatre arts and film from the sub region has become order of the day," she lamented. She called for people to patronise Gambian arts and the film industry.
Madam Njie reaffirmed her department's resolve to improve and promote the industry.
Momodou Joof, director of the National Centre for Arts and Culture, described culture as a backbone of any country. He commended the theatre group in the country for coming together in forming a national association.
The interim chairman of the group, Mr. Saul Njie, revealed that the association was formed in March of last year. This, he said, follows the setting up of a six member task force to look at the prospects of the country's arts and filming industry, which led to the formation of GAMAT.
Other speakers included Mr. Cornelius Gomez who also commended the group.
