Blantyre-based youthful theatre group YDC on Wednesday called upon policymakers to invest in theatre for children and young people to meet their dreams.
The remarks were made by actor and playwright Fumbani Phiri as the world celebrates World Theatre for Children and Young People, which is an annual event that takes place on March 20.
This is an initiative led by the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (Assitej) with the purpose of communicating and promoting the phrase “take a child to the theatre, today”.
Phiri said theatre nurtures creativity and that investing in theatre for children and young people is akin to investing in the future.
“Funding youth-led initiatives and recognising arts as a vital tool for social transformation is part of building a society that values its young artists. A society that values its young artists is a society that fosters innovation, inclusion and development,” he said.
Phiri said theatre was not just a form of entertainment but also a powerful tool for shaping young minds, building empathy as well as fostering a deeper understanding of the world.
“As we celebrate World Theatre Day for Children and Young People, let us recognise the transformative power of theatre in nurturing creativity, critical thinking and self-expression in young audiences,” he said.
Phiri said young people’s voices mattered.
“Keep telling stories, challenging norms and pushing boundaries. Theatre is more than performance; it is a movement for change, space for reflection and a platform for empowerment,” he said.
Phiri advised young people not to be afraid of creating, speaking out and imagining a better world through theatre and art in general.
“The future of theatre belongs to them and their stories will shape generations to come,” he said.
Phiri has since said YDC Theatre is bringing back the Udolo Wanga Youth Festival this year, to be held in the month of August and September.
National Theatre Association of Malawi (Ntam) President Maxwell Chiphinga, better known as Max DC, said they would have loved to hold an event on the day but would not manage since they have an annual general meeting on March 29 2025.
Chiphinga said there was a need to encourage children and young people to utilise their talents.
