Artistes reject opening of pub at Nakuru theatre

A storm is brewing at the Nakuru Players Theatre after thespians raised concern on the leasing of part of the iconic facility to private businessmen who set up a pub within the facility.

The outcry comes a month after the theatre’s commissioning following renovations by the county government.

The artistes said part of the facility had been hired out to private business owners who have set up a bar without respecting the nature of the institution.

They said activities at the theatre are yet to kick-off a month after it was re-opened yet the pub was fully-operational.

According to Collins Oduor, a former chairman at the theatre, the institution that serves as a talent hub for hundreds of youth in Nakuru and other counties 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,” he said.

The artistes further claimed that they are being over-charged as one is required to raise at least Sh 10,000 to stage a play at the theatre.

Nakuru County director of Culture and Social Services Alice Gekonde told the Business Daily that her office was aware of the matter.

She said space had been set aside for business purposes. However, Ms Gekonde said, the department did not allow the theatre management to sell alcoholic drinks.\

“We gave them an option to prepare food or something that is non-alcoholic because the facility is accessed by schoolchildren and parents would not allow their children to visit such a facility,” she said.

Ms Gekonde said they have scheduled a meeting with the theatre management and its trustees to address the matter next Wednesday.