The Nakuru Players Theatre before it was refurbished by the county government. [Photo/ actors.co.ke]
A group of actors has rejected the leasing of part of the Nakuru Players Theatre to private businessmen to set up a pub.
This comes one month after the county government refurbished the theatre as it seeks to nurture more youth talent.
The artistes claimed part of the facility had been rented out to private business people who have set up a bar “without respecting the nature of the institution”.
They said activities are yet to begin at the theatre one month after it was re-opened yet the pub was already active.
Collins Oduor, a former chairman of the theatre said the facility that serves as a talent hub for youth in Nakuru and beyond had been turned into a business premise.
“We are missing on the real purpose and priorities that led to the renovation of the theatre, which was meant to benefit the youth. The bar is the only thing that is currently very active and that is sad,” Oduor said.
The artistes also claimed they were being overcharged as one is required to pay Sh10,000 to stage a play at the theatre.
Nakuru County director of Culture and Social Services Alice Gekonde said her office was aware of the matter.
She said space had been allocated for business purpose. She, however, said the department did not allow the theatre management to set up an alcoholic drinks joint at the facility.
“We gave them an option to prepare food or something that is non-alcoholic because the facility is accessed by school children and parents would not allow their children to visit such a facility,” she said.
She said her department had scheduled a meeting with the theatre management to address the matter.