African amateur theater companies must create regional bodies to attract UNESCO financial backing

African amateur companies must organize themselves and group in regional bodies to benefit from the UNESCO financial assistance granted to cultural activities, said last weekend the new chairman of the International Federation of Amateur Theater, which is convening its 24th congress in Morocco

In a statement to reporters following his election to the post, Jack Lomer (France) recalled the cooperation projects launched by the International Federation of Amateur Theater in collaboration with UNESCO for the settlement of problems hampering the development of African troupes' activities and their promotion on international scenes.

Lomer, who replaced Denmark's Thomas Haugher, pledged to see to the reinforcement of partnership between African dramatists and their Mediterranean peers to highlight the richness, diversity and multi-faceted civilizational legacy forged by African and Mediterranean peoples.

He also hailed the holding the 24th congress of the International Federation of amateur theater in Morocco --land of tolerance, peace and cultural diversity.

The congress, he said, which is attended by amateur dramatists from 45 countries, is an opportunity for the exchange of experiences and promotion of dramatic arts.

On the fringes of the event, a number of plays from Europe, the Arab world, Latin America and Africa will be performed.