By Michael Pepsin Avorgah, GNA
Somé (V/R), March 28, GNA — Mr Henry Herbert Malm, the Acting Executive Director of the National Theatre of Ghana, has underscored the importance of theatre as a vital tool for preserving cultural identity and reinforcing societal values, especially among the youth.
He said World Theatre Day offered practitioners the opportunity to take stock of their role and remind the world of the significance of theatre beyond entertainment.
Mr Malm was speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during the 2026 World Theatre Day commemoration held at Somé Senior High School in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.
The event, organised by the National Theatre of Ghana, brought together students from the Klikor Senior High Technical School, Somé Senior High School, St Paul’s Senior High School, and Three Town Senior High School to celebrate the global occasion.
According to Mr Malm, the decision to involve students in the celebration was deliberate, to give them the opportunity to experience and appreciate the broader role of theatre in society.
He said the day was meant to expose young people to what theatre truly represents.
“Beyond entertainment, theatre provides an opportunity to discuss what is happening in society—whether positive or negative—and reinforce societal values,” he said.
Mr Malm added that theatre played a critical role in transmitting culture from one generation to another, ensuring that traditions and identities were preserved.
“This is the time when you can pass on your culture, reinforce it, and help younger people, or others who may not know about certain values, to understand and appreciate them,” he noted.
He emphasised that theatre was deeply connected to identity, describing it as a platform that helped individuals and communities understand who they are and what they stand for.
Mr Malm reiterated that theatre remained relevant in modern times as it provided a live, human experience that could not be replaced by digital platforms.
Rev Charles Elikplim Dorkenoo, the Public Relations Officer of the Ketu South Municipal Education Directorate, who delivered a speech on behalf of the Municipal Director of Education, expressed appreciation to the National Theatre of Ghana for selecting Ketu South for the commemoration.
He described the celebration as not only a platform for cultural expression but also a strategic academic intervention to support final-year students in their preparation for upcoming examinations.
Rev Dorkenoo noted that the staging of the play “The Son of Umbele” by Bill Marshall provided students with a practical opportunity to better understand their core English Literature text ahead of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
He said the programme had exposed learners to a new and effective way of learning that would enhance retention and understanding.
“If you read, you can easily forget. But if you watch a drama or do something yourself, you hardly forget,” he said.
Rev Dorkenoo disclosed that the directorate was considering collaborating with the National Theatre to extend similar performances to Basic Schools, to support candidates preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
A performance of “The Son of Umbele” by Bill Marshall climaxed the event, captivating the audience and reinforcing the role of theatre in storytelling and education.
World Theatre Day is marked annually to highlight the importance of theatre in shaping societies, nurturing creativity and strengthening cultural identity.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah