Gambia Youth Actors Association (GAMYAA) last Sunday gathered at the KMC Grounds to celebrate the World Theatre Day. Senior government officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Ministry of Youth and Sports and the KMC attended the celebration.
In her opening speech, Matty Jobe, president of GAMYAA, thanked the government officials who attended the celebration.
"The Gambia Youth Actors Association joins the rest of the world to celebrate World Theatre Day," Ms Jobe said. "Formed in November 2008, Gambia Youth Actors Association is a movement started with seven members, and through publicity we were able to register over 30 members before it was officially launched on the 21st of February 2009."
Since its launching, the association has grown in size, focus, and popularity, she says, adding: "We have now registered over 50 members all of whom are young Gambians between the ages of 14 and 29."
The association is registered under the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Youth Council of The Gambia, she stated. "When it first started we were mainly into acting. As we celebrate World Theatre Day all over the world today, the association thought it wise to organize this activity to commemorate the Day, which was initiated by the International Institute in 1961."
Modou Joof, deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, thanked the organizers of the commemoration.
Theatre comprises all aspects of life, he says, adding that theatre practitioners are important in society, since 'see' how society operates. These are essential in the world.
Other speakers on the occasion included the Deputy Mayor of KMC, Yusupha Sanyang, and Hon. Sheriff Gomez, Minister of Youth and Sport. Both expressed similar sentiments as did the previous speakers.
