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Terra Kulture: Expanding Frontiers Of Arts, CultureBy Darlington Abuda Arts reporter, LagosDescribing a haven of the arts set in the heart of Lagos can almost be done in two words, Terra Kulture. This establishment which was set up to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts and culture in 2003 has over the years evolved to provide an ensemble of services that are all geared towards achieving its goal, mainly educational and recreational. The concept of the Centre was borne out of the fact that there was no venue with the intended ambience in Nigeria, for Nigerians and foreigners alike to learn about our cultures and languages, and in response to the dearth of viable venues for Nigerians and foreigners to encounter the Nigerian culture in an atmosphere that is conducive for assimilation, appreciation as well as social interaction, the centre has become a major resource for the promotion of the arts and culture of the nation in all its ramifications. A visit to the centre, situated in Victoria Island, Lagos State, can well be likened to a visit to a cultural enclave as the very furniture used in the restaurant, the first point of one encounters therein. The winding stairway leads to the exhibition hall upstairs and opens up into the exhibition of Richard Ezege. Speaking to some of the patrons present at the exhibition, they all expressed their delight at the fact that no such a place located in any other place in Nigeria. One of them said "I live in Lekki and going to the Mainland to watch theatrical productions or view exhibitions can be very strenuous because of the traffic situation so I just come here from the office or at times over the weekends to relax myself." A patron of art, Martin Akinlami, who was attending the exhibition, described the services offered by the centre as unique because they provided mutually exclusive services in the same locale. He said, "This is my first time here. I must say I am delighted. Imagine coming for an art exhibition and now I am going to the restaurant for palm wine served in the traditional way." In addition to these facilities, the centre also boasts of what it calls the theatre at terra, this project is a collaboration with Jason media, coordinated by Wole Oguntokun, who is the chief executive of renegade theatre, and has served as a platform for showcasing over 60 major drama productions beginning with the First Season Of Soyinka, held in July 2007 and thereafter has provided a veritable venue for various troupes around the country who have featured their productions there. According to the management of the centre, the project was designed to provide a top-notch venue with the right ambience for dramatists and audiences alike. They described the theatre at terra project as having a major part in the renaissance of the theatre and culture in Nigeria, attracting positive attention and goodwill because of its uniqueness and that it continues to open new vistas in the realm of cultural activities in Nigeria and beyond. The theatre just concluded the production of The Gods Are Not Blame, which was adapted for the terra stage by its director and producer.
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