By Patrick Nudzi
Accra, Sept. 24, GNA – The National Theatre has launched the 2024 Ghana Theatre Festival with a call on the public to join the exciting week-long celebration honouring Efua Theodora Sutherland, the legendary Ghanaian playwright.
This year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable tribute to the life and work of Efua T. Sutherland, a pioneering figure in African theatre, renowned for her transformative contributions to children’s literature and the performing arts in Ghana.
The performances started on Wednesday, September 25, with “Agoro” a medley of vibrant children’s plays directed by Elizabeth Sutherland, a Creative Director.
At the launch, Mr Robert Patrick Ankobiah, Chief Director, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC), said, Efua Sutherland’s contribution to the arts, culture and education in Ghana had been monumental, adding that she was a pioneer, visionary and an advocate for the creative potential of every Ghanaian.
“Her commitment to telling African stories in an African context, especially through the medium of drama, did not only inspired generations of artists, but had also given Ghana a proud place in the global arts and cultural dialogue,” he said.
The Chief Director said the Ministry was embarking on initiatives that would support young and upcoming artists, revitalise national cultural institutions and ensure that Ghana’s rich artistic traditions continued to thrive on the global stage.
Nana Fredua-Agyemang Ofori-Atta, Board Chair, National Theatre of Ghana, said Efua Sutherland was and should be considered the Matriarch of modern performing arts in Ghana.
He said the overriding goal of the celebrations would be to inspire talents to do what Madam Sutherland did and even do more, adding that they would hold the first ever ‘Conference of the Performing Arts’ on October 2 and 3, 2024.
This year’s festival is supported by key cultural and corporate partners and will feature four spellbinding performances, each showcasing the richness and diversity of Ghanaian theatre.
On Friday, September 27, 2024, the National Theatre would stage live, a performance of “Foriwa”, produced by the acclaimed Abibigromma troupe from the School of Performing Arts.
This play, a masterful exploration of post-colonial themes and social progress, would be performed at 1700hours and 2000hours, with tickets going for Ghc150.00 cedis.
The third performance, which would be “The Marriage of Anansewa”, a delightful comedy full of wit and wisdom, would be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 1600hours and 2000hours, with tickets also going for Ghc150.00.
The final performance for the festival would be “Edufa”, produced by Fiifi Coleman Productions, with gripping tale of tradition and sacrifice.
It would be performed on Sunday, September 29, at 1600hours and 2000hours for Ghc150.00.
Tickets for the extraordinary performances can be purchased now at www.imagebureaugh.com or by dialing *714*46#.
GNA