On March 27, Cameroon and the world celebrated World Theater Day. On this occasion, Leonard Logmo I De Semnjock, the secretary general of the Department of Theater Arts of the Ministry of Arts and Culture expressed his opinion about the state of this artistic sector in Cameroon.
Assessing the Situation
Cameroon’s Department of Theater Arts is developing, despite the difficulties. The National Development Strategy 20/30 envisions the Ministry of Arts and Culture transitioning from the social sector to the cultural and creative industries sector. This will provide artists with structured support to help them through difficult times.
In order to achieve this, the Department of Theater Arts has taken the initiative to assess the situation in various sectors of the pole. This includes identifying existing artists and companies, creating an exhaustive list of all stakeholders, and mapping out open and closed spaces where performances can take place. This will allow for a better understanding of the production cycle of cultural products, and ensure that the steps taken will lead to a new vision for theatrical arts in Cameroon.
During the Cameroon Cultural and Arts Meetings (RECAN) in 2020, the Ministry of Arts and Culture created numerous artistic poles, including a pole of theater arts. Law No. 2020/011 of July 20, 2020 was established to create a framework for the development of culture in Cameroon, with the theater arts being presented as one of the pillars of public policy development.
Bringing Together the Creative Community
The Department of Theater Arts has been working hard to bring together all the strengths and expertise in this sector. The entire creative community, including representatives from the theater, storytelling, humor, poetry and slam sectors in all 10 regions, including actors from the diaspora, were identified and brought together. The Pole has been structured through the appointment of its leaders and members, and their responsibilities have been defined.
The Department of Theater Arts productions are incorporating local cultures and traditions, and promoting and spreading development-oriented theater. Productions are offered to schools and universities as well, to ensure that audiences of all ages can appreciate the importance of theater in the socio-cultural development of the country.
Positive Outlook
Overall, the Department of Theater Arts is taking significant steps to improve the state of theater arts in Cameroon. With the help of the National Development Strategy 20/30, Law No. 2020/011, and the Pole of Theater Arts, the future of the industry is looking more perspective. Through their dedication to educating audiences and their efforts to bring together the creative community, the Department of Theater Arts is ensuring that theater arts will continue to play an important role in the cultural and socio-economic development of Cameroon.
“We want our audiences to remember that theater is an important factor in the socio-cultural development of our country: it entertains, but above all it educates. Let’s not forget that this is the mission of theater”, Leonard Logmo I De Semnjock said.
