Pioneer President of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lari Williams, has called on movie producers and directors to encourage the training of actors to boost professionalism in the entertainment industry.
Mr Williams told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday that training of actors for the stage would boost the image of the industry instead of being an option for the unemployed.
Williams spoke to NAN against the backdrop of his proposed acting tour to some states in the country.
“There is need for improvement in the skill of professional acting, to add value to stage and movie production and entertainment in general. We barely have stage actors in the country today. Thanks to Terra Culture, Muson Centre and the Thespian Family for keeping the flame alight with occasional stage productions,” he said.
“That is why I am moving out to preach the revival and revamping of the acting profession, starting from some states where I will visit schools and guilds. To prevent the dearth of acting as a dignified profession, stage and movie acting must be professionally improved by learning the craft.”
Williams, who has spent 50 years on stage, said the stage was ultimately supposed to be the cradle of entertainment.
He commended Nigerian comedians for their contribution to the entertainment industry, adding that more value should also be put into stage plays.
“I applaud Alibaba and his joke makers for adding value to the industry and wish to encourage actors that they can also create high stakes in gate-takings.
“If they can make jokes for the million, we should be able to act our stories for higher stakes,” he said.
