Players Call for Creative Arts Support as Theater Week Begins
Celebrations to mark World Poetry Day, going on at Mombasa little theatre club. (Photo / Courtesy)
By Harrison Kivisu
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Celebration of World Poetry day in Mombasa County has opened an opportunity for various artists to showcase their talents and highlight the power of poetry as a form of artistic expression.
To mark World Poetry Day, Mombasa Little Theatre Club led other organizations and artists at Baraza Media Lab where participants showcased their creative arts and talents to the community.
The event which was held on Friday March 21, 2025 opened a week-long preparation for the celebration of World Theater Day slated for March 27, 2025.
The week-long preparation has provided a vibrant platform for poets to share their work and connect with the community.
During the celebration held at the Baraza Media Lab, which also marked the beginning of theatre week, provided vibrant platform for poets to share their work and connect with the community.
During the celebration, participants engaged in discussions that highlighted the power of poetry as a form of artistic expression.
The atmosphere was filled with creativity and inspiration, showcasing the diverse voices and perspectives of poets from various backgrounds.
Players including artists, actors and key officials have called for continuous support to the arts sector as connections within the community, creating a space for dialogue and appreciation of literary art.
Caroline Ngorobi, a theater maker and founder Jukwaa arts production, who also doubles as vice chair of Mombasa creative economy taskforce, said poetry significant because it talks about social issues in the society as well as earning a living.
The creative arts taskforce in Mombasa is in the process of collecting data of the number of theater makers in Mombasa so as to inform on budgeting processes. She said the data collection process is in the final stages.
“Poetry contributes to the economy of the county and also talks about social issues that affect the society, we therefore urge all players to support creative arts at whatever cost,” she said.
On his part, Juma Ali, one of the performing artists in the county pointed out some of the challenges that has led the community to not fully embrace the creative arts.
“Poetry is done to enlighten the society, but now it’s becoming an economic venture, which is encouraging because those of us with poetry talent can earn a living from it,” he said.
Dream Achievers youth organization DAYO, being one of the supporters of creative arts, said the event was significant in highlighting poetry as a tool for communication and fostering togetherness.
“Celebrating World Poetry Day together emphasized the importance of poetry in shaping culture and identity, and we look forward to more such enriching events in the future,” reads part of its statements shared on their Facebook page.
World Theatre Day is celebrated every year on March 27. Designated by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1961, this day celebrates the essence, beauty, and importance of theatre arts, their significant role in entertainment, and the symbolic impact that theatre has on life.
This day also serves to inform governments, politicians, institutions, and stakeholders around the world who have not yet realized the value of theatre to the people and its potential for economic growth.
