Lusaka Playhouse

"A Shadow of Its Former Glory – Lusaka Playhouse in Urgent Need of Rescue

⭐☆☆☆☆

I visited Lusaka Playhouse recently and I’m deeply disappointed. Once a shining gem of live theatre in Zambia, it is now letting everyone (performers & visitors alike) down. The place is clearly very old and has been neglected — the toilets are dirty and damaged, the floor is uneven and unsafe, the roof leaks (or feels like it might), the car park is poorly maintained, and the bar/refreshment area looks run down. These are basic facilities that any entertainment venue should have, but Lusaka Playhouse seems to have let standards fall far below acceptable.

It’s not just appearance — there’s a sense of decay, and visitors end up feeling disrespected. As someone who believed in the legacy of this theatre, it pains me to see it so poorly managed.

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Suggestions / What Should Be Done:
1. Partnerships / Private Sector Involvement
• The management should look for corporate partners, sponsors, philanthropists or NGOs who can invest in refurbishing the Playhouse.
• Private companies with interest in arts, culture, or real estate could adopt the venue (or parts of it) and help with renovation, operations, or programming in exchange for naming rights, event revenues, etc.
2. Government or Municipal Support
• Since it is a historic and cultural landmark (built in 1958) that once was central to Zambia’s theatre scene, the government or city council should allocate regular maintenance budgets. 
• Possible grants from cultural funds or arts councils should be accessed. The National Arts Council of Zambia is one such body. 
3. Community Engagement & Ownership
• Re-open membership or involvement opportunities for theatre groups, local artists, and the public so that there’s broader ownership of what happens there. This helps maintain relevance and perhaps raises funds or volunteer labour.
• Form a committee or board that includes stakeholders (artists, neighbours, arts lovers, etc.) to decide on priorities like toilets, roof, seating, etc.
4. Transparency in Management & Planning
• Clear, public plans & estimates for renovation (what needs fixing, how much it costs, how long it takes).
• Accountability: if there are shareholders etc., let the public know what is happening, including regarding controversial plans (e.g., past proposal to convert the car park into a filling station was revoked after public outcry). 
5. Phased Renovation Strategy
• Start with essentials: plumbing & clean toilets, roof fixes to prevent leaks, floor safety.
• Then move to aesthetic improvements: seats, lighting, bar, interior décor.
• Use part of the venue for revenue generation to fund renovations, e.g. small concerts, community events, rentals.
6. Alternative Management Models
• Perhaps lease management to a private cultural management company under agreed terms that preserve the theatre’s character but allow investment and professional running.
• Or public-private partnership with the arts council or city to share costs & share profits.
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Supporting Facts / Background:
• The Lusaka Playhouse was built in 1958, and apparently it has never had a major renovation. 
• Its capacity is limited (≈ 250 seats), which means revenue is constrained. Without good maintenance, the small scale becomes a weakness. 
• There was a recent release of government funds (K1.5 million) for renovations, which shows recognition of the need. But that’s likely not sufficient for all the needed work. 
• In 2022, there was strong opposition to plans to lease part of its carpark to a filling station for 25 years — public concerns over preserving heritage and public utility won out and the permit was revoked. 

Your love for art 🖼️!
::AGRIA::"

Agria Agria

"The place needs to be renovated"

Chabu Bangs

"This is the best place to visit if you want to remove stress"

Marshwell Shumba