By Nii Martey M. Botchway
Accra, July 31, GNA– Drama, suspense and laughter are set to take centre stage this weekend as the National Theatre hosts “Gayina: Pound of Flesh”, an original African adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice by renowned actor, playwright and producer George Quaye.
Set in present-day Kumasi, the play follows the story of Efo Gayina, a traditional moneylender whose indigenous faith makes him the subject of years of ridicule and discrimination within his community.
The story takes a dramatic twist when one of the very people who publicly mocked him turns to him in desperation for financial assistance.
Gayina agrees to provide the loan, but on one condition: if the borrower fails to repay it on time, he will claim a pound of flesh as repayment.
Blending comedy, suspense and courtroom drama, the production explores themes of religious intolerance, revenge, justice and forgiveness through a contemporary Ghanaian perspective, while drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s timeless classic.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr George Quaye said the play reflected everyday realities in Ghana, where people were often judged and dismissed because of their beliefs, ethnic backgrounds or social identities.
“It is about the everyday things we say to each other, and how we dismiss people because of their beliefs, tribes or backgrounds,” he said.
“The irony is how we become surprised when those same people refuse to show us compassion,” he added
According to him, beyond its humour and gripping courtroom scenes, the production challenges audiences to reflect on the prejudices and contradictions that shape human relationships.
The play illustrates how ridicule can easily give way to resentment, and how those society chooses to marginalise may one day become the very people it depends on.
The cast features Benjamin Adzika, Godwin Nambo, Asieduaa Afenyi, Lucille King, Roland Adom, Elvis Crystal and Kofi Boakye, under the direction of George Quaye and Emmanuel Ato Ghartey.
The production will be staged at the National Theatre on August 1, 2, 8 and 9, 2026, with performances scheduled for 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Produced by Image Bureau in collaboration with April Communications, Gayina’s Pound of Flesh is regarded as the first original African adaptation of The Merchant of Venice.
Shakespeare’s classic centres on Shylock, a moneylender who agrees to lend money to the merchant Antonio on the condition that he may claim a pound of Antonio’s flesh if the debt is not repaid.
GNA
Nii Martey M. Botchway
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong