By J. K. Nabary/GNA
Winneba (C/R), Sept 7, GNA – Dr Johnson Edu of University of Education Winneba (UEW), has called on management of Osagyefo Theatre Company to remain bold, innovative, culturally grounded and committed to excellence. Â
Dr Edu made the call when he chaired a mini launch, and unveiling of the Theatre Company at Winneba.
“May the Theatre become a platform where young talents are discovered, African stories are celebrated, creative professionals are empowered, the theatre used to create opportunities and to transform lives, “he stated.
The event was attended by personalities including, officials from the Ghana Education Service, UEW, private schools, Heads of Department, Security Agencies and Youth groups.
Okogyeman Yankson I, Odikro of Effutu Gyahaadze, and Ntoabam and Kasahen to Gyahaadze stool, the clergy, Muslim community, former Effutu Municipal Chief Executives also presented solidarity messages.
The Osagyefo Theatre Company is a non-governmental entity, founded by Mr Martin Hanson, a native of Effutu, with the objective to support the development and promotion of the arts and theatre in Ghana.
It is also to help young people to take the Creative Arts as a form of employment by creating activities through dancing, drumming and singing as a source of entertainment, and also help keep them physically and mentally fit as they go about their daily activities.
Dr Edu, also a former staff of the National Theatre of Ghana, stated that unveiling of the theatre symbolised the beginning of a vision to use theatre and performing of Arts to preserve culture, inspire creativity, empower people and tell African stories with confidence and purpose.
According to him, Mr Hanson’s commitment, creativity, discipline and passion for Creative Art, demonstrated his willingness to build bridges, create opportunities and to connect creative talents beyond geographical boundaries.
“It is no surprise that Mr Hanson took this bold step to establish Osagyefo Theatre Company in Ghana, precisely Winneba and I see it as extension of a vision he developed years back, a vision that recognises African creativity has a place not only on the local stages, but also on international platforms.”
According to him, Theatre Art had always been more than entertainment, but a mirror of society, a teacher of generations, a keeper of memory and a powerful instrument towards the transformation of lives and societies at large.
He said in the rapidly changing world, institutions like Osagyefo Theatre had more to offer as it seeks to give people the opportunity to tell their own stories through their voices and perspectives.
“The beginning of every new thing is never easy, but every great institution begins with an idea, courage and people willing to believe in that idea, hence, we must not see the launching as a destination, but the beginning of a remarkable journey which needs our support, rich expertise, networks, resources, ideas and goodwill to benefit the entire humanity,” he added.
Mr Hanson earlier in his address, disclosed that the vision was for the theatre to become a leading African theatre company that uses the power of theatre and the performing arts to preserve culture, inspire creativity, empower people and tell stories that shape generations.
He stated that their mission is committed to creating compelling, innovative and culturally rooted theatre that reflects the realities, histories, values, dreams, and aspirations of African people.
“Our focus seeks to nurture emerging talents, create opportunities for artists and creative professionals, promote indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage, make theatre accessible to communities, through excellence in performance, artistic education, research, collaboration and community engagement,”
“Our aim is to use arts as a powerful instrument for education, social transformation, cultural preservation and creating employment through partnership with the Ghana Education Service, the Assemblies, Institutions, Universities, Senior High Schools, College of Education and with stakeholders to work towards the inclusion of arts in the national education curriculum, “he stated.
Later Mr Hanson, Executive Director/Founder, Mr Kwame Takyi Danquah, Administrative Manager, Mr Eldad Newlove Bonney, Information Technology Director, Mr Justin Gyedu Goka Artistic Director and Ms Ida Nyaneba Marketing/Public Relations Director were introduced to the gathering and also inducted as staff of the company.
The vision and mission of the company was unveiled and prayers said by Alhaji Mohammed Monsuri Isaah, Chief Imam of Effutu Muslim community, for Allah’s guidance and directions towards the sustainability of the company to better the lives of all people.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Kenneth Odeng Adade