The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Freetong players, Tutie Haffner commonly known as Master 2T has on Monday September 26, 2020 said that the outbreak of the Coronavirus in Sierra Leone has limited the groups performances and the earnings of it artists. He said this has put the survival of the artists in peril.
Freetong Players is a renowned performing arts group in Sierra Leone which was established in 1995. It does drama, music, dance, artistic work and many others. Currently the Group comprises 15 performers.
He explained that before the outbreak of the Coronavirus, they made enough money with which the performers took care of themselves and their families, because then they performed at various events, held in places which have now been outlawed from holding public events. He said that being entertainers they only get paid after performing.
“Now, we only have few performances, and we usually find it difficult to sing, because we are impeded by the face masks. As a result of poor performances due to the use of face masks people don’t call us as usually as they did before.”
Haffner asserted that since its establishment, the group has made positive contributions in the lives of many people across the country, like creating jobs, serving as a vehicle for people to actualize their potentials and dreams as entertainers.
“Freetong players made people to realize that one can earn a living from jobs in theatre and arts. We have brought public awareness about culture and heritage, and immunization in the country through theater and arts.”
He said that Freetong Players is the first theater and art group that was established in Freetown, adding that the organization has represented Sierra Leone in both nationally and internationally, and has produced four albums: one made in Canada, USA, Australia and Sierra Leone.
By Ibrahim S. Bangura
30/09/2020. ISSUE NO: 7920