The theatre scene in Ghana has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with a growing number of talented playwrights, directors, actors, and producers contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of the country.
Ghana is home to a wealth of creative talent, and emerging playwrights and actors are bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the stage.
Audiences in Ghana are increasingly appreciating the value of live theatre as a form of entertainment and education, leading to a growing demand for quality productions.
The revival of the theatre scene in Ghana is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and passion of the artists and cultural practitioners who are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich theatrical traditions of the country.
Veteran Ghanaian actress, Community Education, and Youth Development Activist, Dr. Akosua Abdallah has praised the reappearance of the theatre scene in Ghana, describing it as a vibrant renaissance.
She highlighted the contributions of young artists, playwrights, and directors who are revitalizing the industry with both contemporary and classic productions.
She also mentioned the honoring of her father, Mohammed Ben Abdallah, with a revival of his production ‘The Slaves,’ alongside other classic plays like ‘Dilemma of a Ghost’ and ‘The Legend of Aku Sika’.
“I think the theatre scene has become a very vibrant one. There’s almost like a renaissance in theatre. A lot of young artists, a lot of young playwrights, a lot of young directors, from the Uncle Ebo Whites to the Fiifi Colemans to the George Quayes.
“They’re coming up with not just new contemporary productions but they are going into retrospect to bring old productions… and so you realize that there’s this new vibrancy and there’s a renaissance.”
Dr. Akosua Abdallah
She observed that young people, aged 25 to 30, who were previously not part of the theatre tradition, are now able to afford and attend performances.
This renewed interest is not limited to the National Theatre but extends to community theatres and school dramas, where literature textbooks are brought to life on stage, aiding students’ comprehension.
Abdallah emphasized the educational value of theatre, stating that seeing these productions helps students better understand their coursework.
“So when they do see these productions on stage, it gives them a good understanding of how to answer the questions for their class. And so theatre has become quite vibrant,” she added.
She celebrated the current vibrancy of the theatre scene in Ghana, calling it a significant cultural revival.
Her comments join those of other stakeholders, including actor Adjetey Anang, who stated that theatre movies are gaining popularity due to the audience’s desire for diverse and original content.
Dr. Abdallah Raises Concerns Over National Theatre’s Current State
Veteran Ghanaian actress, Akosua Abdallah voiced her concerns about the current state of the National Theatre and the financial challenges the facility faces.
Abdallah, who has worked at the Theatre, described the situation as dire.
She noted that the facility now has to pay for its utilities and maintenance, which were previously covered by the government.
“I think the National Theatre is suffering in the sense that I worked at the theatre. Utilities are very, very high to pay. Electricity is very high. Years ago, as a government institution, it was free. But now, the National Theatre as a facility has to pay utilities and they have to also support and maintain the place.”
Dr. Akosua Abdallah
She bemoaned the barrage of criticisms directed at the theatre.
“For a very long time, the theatre has been hit very hard when it comes to criticisms, et cetera, et cetera. Somebody was complaining that mosquitoes bit him when he was sitting at the National Theatre watching a production. It’s really a difficult situation.”
Dr. Akosua Abdallah
Abdallah called for investment from both the private and public sectors to help renovate the theatre.
“But after 30 years, I think the National Theatre, like the Kwame Nkrumah Museum, needs money to transform the place. We need to renovate the place all over again. I think this is the time that corporate Ghana or the government itself can come on board to support the theatre.”
Dr. Akosua Abdallah
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