By George ojuku Momoh
Sierra Leone was once a country appreciated widely for its own rich culture. Its customs, arts and lifestyle inspired so many people from far and wide to come and learn, to create, and to become great. The nation was called the Anthems of West Africa for the cultural liveliness it was known for. Sierra Leone became celebrated for several years for producing great men and women whose character and intelligence were formed by cultural traditions which prepared them to be leaders and visionaries.
And then there was the ten-year civil war and everything changed. The war destroyed infrastructure and it killed people, yes, but it also robbed away one of the country’s most important resources: culture. Politics, economics and schooling were the focus of rebuilding, but the cultural renaissance–the essence of Sierra Leone greatness–was left behind.
One of the most effective media through which the cultural heritage articulated was Theater Arts. Before the war, theatre was not only a source of entertainment; it was an expression of society, a mirror for truth, and a voice of the people. Both the leaders and the population realized that plays were able to expand the minds, probe the conscience, and raise moral awareness. This wonderful vehicle of realizing enlightenment was lost in war and amnesia.
The Rise of Wan Roof Theater
The past few years have seen some attempts to re-establish Sierra Leonean theatre. Among the many there is one that is particularly noteworthy: Wan Roof Theater.
Wan Roof Theatre was formed in 2021 by a group of passionate volunteers namely Gregorious Delichristos, Anna vanmlander, Laila Ben Kaddour, Sarafina Nicolsesay, Mamadu B.J Jalloh, Carlos Velazquez. Aminata Bussor joined the board later.
Wan Roof was established with a desire to bring quality theater to as many people as possible and as often as possible at affordable prices. What makes them different from the others is not necessarily the richness of their performances, but the passion that moves the organization:
All are volunteers. Actors, directors, board members–call them what you want–give their time and talent freely out of love of the arts and a desire to bring Sierra Leone back to its high place in culture.
Their performances are on a Pay as You Can scheme. Instead of paying per ticket, the community pays whatever they are comfortable with at the door to the theater, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy theater arts.
This type of system is not without problems, however. Costumes, scenery and transportation are costly to fund without ongoing support. Yet despite struggles, Wan Roof Theater has continued to be consistent and successful.
Plays That Change the Nation
The performances of Wan Roof Theater are not plays; they are ghosts of the truth, mirrors of society, and sparks of change. Some of their famous and highly successful creations include:
Line (2022) – a revival play which was the group’s first contribution.
Poda Poda (2023) – their most iconic play performed 16 times including in Lunsar and Makeni and is the first Sierra Leonean play since the 1980s to reach such a large audience.
Fantasia 2024 – a story of hope, identity, and friendship, which focuses on mental health struggles and interactions with Sierra Leonean youth.
Mi Fos (2025) – their current masterpiece, about corruption, integrity, and ancient struggle between self interest and the common good.
Visiting their website http://www.wanrooftheatre.com/ , Facebook page “Wan Roof Theatre – SL” or contacting them via phone +232 99244916/+232 75 207422 grants easy access to watch all their past plays and you can easily contact them for any sponsor via the above means.
All these plays have not only been entertaining, but also caused attitudes, reordered debates and mobilized communities.
The Need for Support
Despite that success, Wan Roof Theater can only produce one play each year. This is not for lack of imagination but due to the lack of funds. With enough sponsorship, they can produce several plays a year, can travel all over the country and reach more people. Imagine what could be achieved if all districts of Sierra Leone had access to such powerful engagement on a regular basis!
We are living in the time of development based on money. If government, sponsors, and stakeholders can work together and fund organizations such as Wan Roof Theater, Sierra Leone will regain its cultural voice that made it great in the old days. Theater Arts therefore should no longer be relegated to second-class status–it should be one of the pillars on which society is rebuilt.
A Call to Action
We see organizations and government everyday striving to make a humble, disciplined and progressive nation. However, sustainable development can not be without culture. Wan Roof Theater has already germinated some of the seeds for renaissance. It is time for them to be nurtured by leaders and stakeholders.
Despite a lack of big sponsorship, Wan Roof Theater has survived because of its own merit. Imagine the things that get the right sponsorship. Theatre is not a luxury-but a nation building necessity.
Wan Roof Theater is not just a performing group, but a fitting agent for the reawakening of Sierra Leoneans, re-appropriating lost cultural heritage and forging a better future.