On the 18th of September, the air in Bat Valley was filled with excitement and expectation as 11 out of the 15 participating groups gathered for the orientation of the much-anticipated "Theatre and Performing Arts Festival 2nd edition." This vibrant event, co-organized by the Mariam Ndagire Film & Performing Arts Centre and Bat Valley Theatre, is set to be a celebration of Ugandan theatre, a platform for nurturing new talent, and a resurrection of the magic of live performances.

Omumbejja Mariam Ndagire, the Festival Director, stood at the forefront of this grand initiative. With a heart brimming with passion, she expressed her dedication to rekindling the spirit of Ugandan theatre during the orientation. "We're here to empower new talent and bring back the magic of theatre," she proclaimed, setting the tone for a festival that promised to be nothing short of spectacular.

The core of this orientation session was to familiarize the participating groups with the festival rules, setting clear guidelines for their creative journey:

1. Written Scripts: A fundamental requirement for all participants was to submit a written script before the festival officially commenced. This stipulation aimed to ensure that every performance was well-crafted and meticulously thought out.

2. Theme: The festival's overarching theme was unveiled during the orientation - "Groom the boy child for a better tomorrow - Lungamya omwana omulenzi gemaka entende," which translates to "Bonna Baana." This theme was a clarion call to address vital societal issues, offering a unique opportunity for artists to engage with and reflect upon pressing concerns.

3. Genre Consistency: Each group was encouraged to decide on a specific genre and stick to it throughout their creative process. This would help maintain the integrity and coherence of their stage productions.

4. Quality Production: Ensuring that the stage plays possessed the qualities of a selling performance was emphasized. This encompassed everything from captivating storytelling to impeccable acting and production values that would leave a lasting impression on the audience.

The orientation didn't stop at rule-setting; it delved deep into the art and craft of creating compelling stage plays. Group representatives were taken on an enlightening journey, guided on how to fashion a stage play that would captivate audiences. They were schooled in the nuances of building well-defined characters, constructing narratives that held an air of believability, crafting plot twists that left spectators awestruck, and maintaining a gripping, edge-of-the-seat experience throughout.

As the orientation came to a close, eager participants had a calendar of important dates to look forward to:

1. 25th September – Actors' Workshop: This workshop would be a crucial pit stop on the path to perfecting performances, providing participants with invaluable insights and skills from seasoned professionals.

2. September – November – Writing and Rehearsals (in individual groups): This phase would be characterized by intense scriptwriting and meticulous rehearsals, as each group strived for excellence in their productions.

3. 13th – 24th November – Festival: The grand finale would see all the hard work culminate in a vibrant celebration of theatre and the arts, where these stage plays would come to life in front of an eager audience.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the festival was the recognition of outstanding talent. At the end of the event, the winners would walk away not only with cash prizes but also with accolades for "Best Actor," "Best Actress," and "Best Production." These honors would not only serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the participants but would also encourage the nurturing of theatrical talent in Uganda.

In the capable hands of Omumbejja Mariam Ndagire and the passionate team behind the festival, the second edition of the Theatre and Performing Arts Festival promised to be a cultural extravaganza like no other. With a commitment to empowering new voices, addressing pressing issues, and reigniting the magic of theatre, this event was set to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its participants and audiences alike.

As the orientation concluded, the groups departed with newfound enthusiasm, eager to embark on their creative journeys and contribute their unique narratives to the rich tapestry of Ugandan theatre. 

By Theos Gracious Barham.