VETERAN actor, director and filmmaker Nobert Fero wants to revive the love of theatre in the country, starting at the grassroots.
The number of people attending theatre plays have been dwindling.
The loss of interest can be attributed to economic hardships, perception about theatre and lack of financial rewards, among others.
"I have submitted a proposal to the ministry, l want to revive theatre, my first target is schools.
"Societal problems and the substance abuse scourge can be solved at the grassroots through using theatre, it is a good way of learning, children will understand the impact of certain actions and behaviours.
"Acting is a reaction", Fero said.
The veteran actor is proposing a tour of schools by qualified actors.
"Touring schools by qualified actors will inspire children to take up acting as a profession and the message disseminated will be taken seriously too.
- Veteran actor wants to revive theatre
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"It will be a win/win situation for both the hosting school and actors from the nominal entry fee, the school will get a percentage of the proceeds collected".
In the 1990's Fero was part of the cast in Apartheid Kills, which was written by David Mwanaka, that toured various schools in the country.
After schools, the focus will be on community halls for the message to reach everyone especially in high-density areas.
Fero is the first black person to direct a play upstairs at Reps Theatre.
He was the main character in the yesteryear television dramas Small House Saga and Ndizvo Here Muroora, among others.
At the moment he is writing a play called Woman to woman.
"Many times women find themselves at loggerheads clashing over a man and other issues.
"They try to define themselves to men, not to each other.
"In the play, l am encouraging women to engage in dialogue and for one to introspect and be in that person's shoes so that they know what it feels like."
Fero added that he was not going to direct it but would ask one of his close friends to do so.
