Lari Williams advocates training to boost entertainment industry

Chief Lari Williams MFR, Pioneer President of Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has advised producers and directors to encourage more training of actors to boost professionalism in the entertainment industry.

Williams spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, against the backdrop of his proposed acting tour to some states in the country.

He said that training of actors would also boost the image of the industry instead of being an option for the unemployed.

“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.

“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,” he said.

Williams, who is also a writer, singer, poet and director noted that film and television producers should be discouraged from pussy-footing sham amateurs in front of cameras to learn the skill.

“This approach only builds up mediocre productions, it only encourages the screen but I insist that no bird can fly high with one bald wing.

“Therefore, it is difficult if not absolutely impossible to acquire professional skill in acting by learning from the front of camera.

“By the way, where are the various Theatre Arts graduates from the various universities? Most of them are busy looking for desk jobs in banks.

“Is it why they went into the theatre arts departments to acquire their degrees? Or because the industry does not recognise professionals anymore,’’ he said.

Williams, who has spent 50 years on stage, said the stage was ultimately supposed to be the cradle of entertainment.

According to him, it behoves on veterans to help improve professionalism in acting and entertainment in general.

The veteran also commended Nigerian comedians for their contribution to the entertainment industry, adding that more value should also be put into stage plays.

“I applaud Alli Baba 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.

The pioneer President of AGN, also referred to as ‘Stage Marshal’ said he would take up the responsibility of stimulating the revival of the stage in the country.

“With the active support of the current President of the AGN, Emeka Rollas Ejezie, I shall be visiting various state chapters on a lecture tour.

“Among the factors that will invariably restore some glory to the acting profession is the establishment of an Artiste Hall of Fame.

“This would fulfill the necessity to remember the past, dignify the present and supply hope to the future,” he said.

Williams then urged professionals to pay the price that was required to acquire expertise that would lead to quality and reduce the charlatan approach and lend dignity to the profession, he said.