Lion King producer calls for transformation of theatre industry
March 5, 2008
Johannesburg - The South African theatre industry needed transformation, the joint producer of the musical The Lion King, Lebo M, said yesterday.
He expressed this feeling following the Naledi Awards on Monday at the new Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City. The Naledi Theatre Awards celebrated its fifth birthday.
Lebo M said the fact that few blacks won awards in the 23 categories was a sorry indication of the role of blacks in the theatre industry.
"It is unacceptable that so few black people feature in this important event that recognises excellence in a critical industry," he said.
"The reasons behind this poor showing should be probed and action must be taken to ensure black people increase their significance in the industry. This is too important an issue to keep quiet about, and we cannot allow business in the industry to continue as is.
"To pretend we have a healthy, fully representative industry is a fallacy and we will only be fooling ourselves.
''All stakeholders, such as producers, theatre owners, artists, practitioners, and audiences must do something about it," he added.
Lebo M pointed out that it was a pity that The Lion King did not win more awards.
"The Lion King is hailed in all other territories it plays and the South African public have voted for it by attending in record numbers, and selling more than 550 000 tickets.
"It is a pity the South African awards did not give it the same recognition," said Lebo M.
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