MARIAM NDAGIRE HOLDS ACTORS WORKSHOP

After a long wait for the photos, finally I am publishing this article about this great event. It’s such delays that make me want to attend events with my own camera so that I don’t have to wait for official pictures from the organisers.

On August 5th 2025, I spent the entire day at Bat Valley Theatre attending an Actors Workshop, one of the key pre-events leading up to the 4th edition of the Theatre & Performing Arts Festival, an initiative proudly spearheaded by the legendary Mariam Ndagire. And what a powerful initiative it is.

Before I dive into the highlights, allow me to address something that caught me off guard. It was surprising how many people approached me at the venue with the same question: “Benda, how come you’re here?” That simple question revealed something deeper, the lingering perception of a divide between downtown and uptown art spaces. It seems people still associate artists with specific venues, depending on where they hang most. Some people don’t expect a person who hangs around the National Theatre to attend something at Bat Valley??? One day we shall settle this.

But here’s the truth: my journey in acting began right here at Bat Valley Theatre, back in 2006 during my Senior 4 vacation. I was part of a vibrant group called Scavengers, working alongside Chris Luwaga, Henry Mpinga Ssempijja, Martin Oscar Kintu and Andrew Kiyega. Later, while pursuing my degree in Drama, Theatre & Film, I returned to Bat Valley with Dynamo Theatre. So, being back here felt more like a homecoming than a surprise. I also go to that theatre to watch plays especially when invited by my director friends or even pay for my tickets.

Now, to the workshop itself, it was a rich and impactful gathering, bringing together actors slated to perform in this year’s festival. The theme was “Beyond The Role: Unlocking Your Potential”, and it couldn’t have been more fitting.

The keynote speaker, Charles James Ssenkubuge, a true titan of Ugandan performing arts, urged actors to say yes to every opportunity. He has done it all: acted, written, directed, run radio and TV stations, and currently manages Salt Media. His advice? Stay committed to your craft, manage your time with discipline (yes, even keep a diary), and don’t settle full-time for jobs outside the arts. Instead, make the arts work for you. He also encouraged actors to create time for solitude in order to think deeply, uniquely, and differently.

Sound technician Isima Ssemuju conducted a session on the theatre production hierarchy, breaking down the different roles from top to bottom along with their job descriptions and responsibilities. The purpose of this segment was to educate attendees on the vital personnel required for a successful production, while also highlighting areas where actors can acquire new skills to contribute as crew members when they are not performing. This was a particularly important session, as many participants previously lacked this knowledge.

When award-winning actress Esteri Tebandeke walked into the auditorium, she was visibly nervous and even asked me if she was supposed to present in Luganda. I told her to mix it up and she did, beautifully. The audience was captivated. As an Atesot married to a Muganda, Esteri blended English with her little Luganda, embodying exactly what she was there to talk about: BRANDING. She challenged us to be intentional about how we present ourselves, because that shapes how others perceive us, especially when we’re not in the room. She challenged the actors to search their own names on google and see the results. This was a way to emphasize why it’s important to control the information we post even online, especially social media.

To wrap it up, the ever-influential Abbey Mukiibi delivered a powerful summary. His message to actors was clear:

• Learn new skills
• Build networks
• Seek mentorship
• Set goals
• Explore new creative avenues
• Build a brand that reflects your true worth

Each point was a roadmap for any actor serious about growth and longevity.

At the end of the day, every participant walked away with a certificate of participation, but more importantly, with renewed purpose and clarity. For me, it was a much-needed reminder that the world doesn’t end at the National Theatre, Bat Valley, or even Kampala. The dreams born in far places like Masaka, Arua, Mbale, Gulu and yes, Bat Valley, are just as valid and powerful.

Don’t miss the THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL 2025 happening 27th to 31st October at Bat Valley Theatre. Details coming soon.