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| Theatre For The Community... |
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| Posted on: 2007-Jul-08 Times |
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TEC is the acronym for Theatre For The Community. TEC is a novel form of theatre practice that is designed to meet the needs of communities.
Unlike the conventional theatre whereby the audience and for that matter, the community or the spectators become passive to an ongoing theatre performance, TEC involves the community directly in the process of performance that leads to an end.
The respectability and impact of this kind of theatre is undoubtedly profound and effective to bring about realistic and positive results for the benefit of the community and the nation at large.
The genesis of TEC concept and practice in the country is credited to Mr. Sandy Arkhurst, a senior retired lecturer at the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon. Mr. Sandy Arkhurst introduced the TEC in Ghana in the 1970s after returning to the University of Ghana from the Armado Bello University in Nigeria where he had lectured for some years.
Since its introduction into the country, many students of the theatre have developed a strong liking for the TEC concept, and have taken it as their speciality in the theatre. Thus, there are large number of theatre artists in the country now who have the TEC background.
My concern here now with the TEC theatre practice is to remind the products of the TEC of the great role they have to play in national integration and development as far as this discipline is concerned.
In the light of the great importance of TEC to national integration and development, I will suggest that the graduates of this discipline should be given much encouragement and the necessary financial support by the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture to enable them to put their knowledge into practice for the benefit of the country.
Theatre has been defined as the representation of the human will, theatre mirrors and comments on the society for positive ends. It is therefore a very powerful tool for revolution and transformation of the society.
Throughout the Gracco Roman period, of civilisation theatre has been the core for the evolvement and advancement of mankind.
During the middle ages, the church found it necessary to use theatre as a means of teaching morality and religion to the people. This made a great impact on the spiritual life of the people.
In modern times, theatre continues to determine mankind’s enlightment and development. For instance, America, the most powerful nation on earth today has her theatre generating two-thirds income to swell her powerful economy. This fact may stun many, but it is the truth!
TEC kind of theatre must be given priority attention by all who have the interest of the country at heart so that Ghana can achieve economic prosperity and development in the shortest possible time in the 21st century. America has used theatre to become very powerful in the world today. Ghana can also do the same!
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