Lawyer is first national president of arts theatre

MAYAMBO Peipul is the first local president of the predominantly-expatriate Moresby Arts Theatre.
Peipul was elected unopposed last month, bringing to an end 97 years of expatriate domination.
Peipul, a lawyer with Transparency International, took over from Glen Fisher who “went finish” at the end of last year.
As vice-president, she was acting in the role until recently when she was confirmed at the club’s annual general meeting.
“We want more Papua New Guineans to be a part of the theatre – whether it is on stage, back stage, front of the house or as audience,” Peipul said.
“We want artists to approach us and use the Waigani arts centre as a space they can exhibit their work for all, including potential customers to see and appreciate.”
Peipul urged young professional Papua New Guineans to start recognising theatre as a social venue, begin adopting it as a hobby and using it just as frequently as night clubs and sporting fields.
Other executives who are on the 2011 committee include : Hamish George (vice-president); David Reed, David Bacon and Martin Morobubuna, who are members.
Re-elected executives are Frank Warner (treasurer); Judith Bona (secretary); Grace Maribu and Tidman Ikosi.
The Moresby Arts Theatre was established in 1914 with the inception of the Arts Council.
It included the Moresby Theatre Group, with early members being referred to as the “Papuan Players”.
The theatre at Waigani was erected in 1974, making the theatre one of the oldest existing clubs in Port Moresby.