National Theatre's main stage to become operational after 27 years

The revolving stage of the main bowl of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, which stopped working 27 years ago, will restart operations in the next two weeks.

The General Manager of the theatre, Kabir Yusuf, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Mr. Yusuf, who took over the leadership of the theatre three months ago, said he was committed to repositioning the national edifice for optimal performance.

"The theatre has only one technician, who knows how to operate the revolving stage and he will retire next year.

"I tried to mandate the man to make sure that the stage worked immediately. He assured me that the stage will be ready for operations in the next two weeks," Mr. Yusuf said.

He said efforts were being made to put all the cinema halls in good condition as well as beef up security at the theatre complex to increase patronage.

Mr. Yusuf said that plans were also being made to erect gates in all the entrances to the complex to enhance security.

Mr. Yusuf was appointed the General Manager of the National Theatre on August 3. He took over from Ahmed Yerima, who had been heading the place since August 5, 2006.