Timothy Thabo writes…
My heading above is not a figure of speech nor is it meant to catch your eyes, far from it. It is what it is as you read it. The Lusaka Playhouse is an ‘isle to the city’.
It is a known fact that Lusaka City has been a construction site for a long time now. New buildings and roads have popped up in the recent past, while old structures have been refurbished but it beats me up that Lusaka Playhouse has remained in its old state. It is very shameful more especially that the plot where this art arena sits on is surrounded by clean and beautiful buildings such as the Southern Sun Hotel, Zambia National Service (ZNS) Headquarters, Pamodzi Hotel and Sanlam building.
I really wonder why such a facility on a prime land could be neglected in such a manner and we have carried on with our business as usual..
I believe a wakeup call should peg the one responsible for this artistic and great structure – the Lusaka Play house. Whether it’s the Ministry or the National Arts Council, they must do the right thing.
I have set my eyes on the playhouse and seen how much it is getting dilapidated each day that passes by. The executive committee that is responsible for uplifting the outlook of the playhouse have also set out a Bar open for leisure. But even with such efforts made, no patron would frequent such a boring place. I am compelled to feel pity for the poor executive committee who can only do so little
People will only patronize a drinking place that is exciting and meets the minimum standards such as the once upon a time famous drinking spot ‘Uncle-T’ in Kabwata. Every Jim and Jack would flock like bees to KCC all because of the appealing standards that ‘Uncle-T’ uplifted. A place that is lit attracts people from far and near who come un-invited but enticed.
If Lusaka Playhouse was a human being it would have been an orphan, double orphan for that matter. Since it’s not a human being, I call upon the corporate world to adopt this place.
I am also shocked that the entire Lordship – the Mayor of the great city of Lusaka can put his energies in fighting ‘the Hybrid traffic circle chicken’, let him show his muscle on places like this one which add value to the city.
The business houses are many in the city making money and they can consider ploughing back to the community through such ventures.
Business houses such as ‘Trade Kings’ which is a massive Zambian Company and has its footprint on every product. “Please adopt the playhouse and you will be appreciated when you see the future judging you positively”.
“Airtel where are you? Surely, you have been in the country for a long time now. Do you have to wait for the new entrants like Vodafone to adopt the Woodlands Stadium whilst you watch?”
I will excuse ‘MTN’ for obvious reasons as they are sponsoring the Zambian Football Super League which is so massive.
“Multichoice Zambia where are you? This is your area of interest which ultimately benefits you directly”.
I can go on and on but the message is very clear that Lusaka Playhouse needs urgent attention.
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