Impact of the film sector on stage play performances in Central Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the impacts of the film sector on stage play performances in Central Kampala, Uganda. The study was guided by the research questions which included; how has film impacted on theatre, what other factors that have had an impact on theatre and what can theatre companies do to attract the audience. A qualitative exploratory research design was used to collect and analyze data. The research methods used were; document analysis, interviews, library and participant observation. The study findings indicate that one of the most pressing reasons is our audiences are getting digital so they are attracted to film more than traditional theatre plays. The film sector has affected stage play performances by increasing completion in the industry, performer brain drain and the generation disconnect. The other factors that have had an impact on theatre apart from film are; COVID 19 pandemic / Corona Virus, the government policies, politics, new upcoming theater groups, and the current economic situation. The study also indicated that in order to attract more audiences theater companies should work on upgrading theaters, promotions and marketing, doing partnerships, providing incentives in theater and strengthening school competitions. The study concluded that the film has impacted theatre in a more negative way rather than positively since it has led to loss of creativity in the theaters and has failed to create new talents on stage. Therefore theatre companies should also give us more variety of new young material and also deal in diverse things such as musicals. The study recommended that theatre practitioners should announce plays on television, there is also need of construction of more infrastructure for theatre, theatre practitioners need to start tours like country wide tours just like the way musicians and the government bodies like Ugandan Communications Commission should invest in the theaters.