The Globe Production's latest stage play, "Ghana Must Go" thrilled audiences at its premiere held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) last Saturday.
The sold-out event was a testament to the production's appeal, with patrons thoroughly educated, entertained and inspired by the creative performance of the casts, including popular Ghanaian actor, Adjetey Annan.
The stage play's narrative about the history of Ghana, its heritage, rich culture, tourism destinations and investment opportunities resonated with the audience, evoking emotions and sparking reflection.
The production's message, woven throughout the storyline, highlighted the need for Ghanaians to embrace their rich cultural heritage, history and values; while also appealing to foreign investors and members of the international community to visit Ghana, eat Ghanaian food and listen to Ghanaian music.
Patrons were visibly moved by the performance, with many singing along to every song dropped in the course of the performance, laughing ecstatically while grabbing their pop corns and fruit juice served at the entrance.
Cultural pride
The play's portrayal of Ghanaian culture and traditions left audiences beaming with pride.
The vibrant costumes, music and dance contributed to an immersive experience that transported the audience to the heart of Ghana's cultural landscape.
The cast's powerful performances brought the story to life, conveying the complexities and nuances of Ghanaian identity. The play's themes of resilience, community and national pride resonated strongly with the audience.
Audience reaction
Promise Darke, a final-year student at the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana told the Daily Graphic that, "I was blown away by the production's energy and passion. The play was not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. It made me proud to be Ghanaian."
She heaped praises on the cast's performances, saying, "the actors brought their “A’ game.
They were perfect for the production”.
Also, Sarah Yome Adjetey, another patron commended Globe Production for putting up an excellent show which “depicted the authentic Ghanaian culture through story in motion”.
She underscored the narrative geared towards appealing to foreign investors and urging Ghanaians abroad to return to their home country to help build a stronger nation as the highlight of the show.
Global tour
In an interview session, the Chief Executive Officer of Globe Production, Latif Abubakar, said, the idea to write the play was from a diplomat's quest to know about any work he had done to sell Ghana to the world
He indicated that "Ghana Must Go" was a result of an inspiration, and aimed to use theatre as a medium to preserve Ghanaian culture and talent, and call on patrons to embrace and invest in Ghana.
Mr Abubakar highlighted that the latest production was the 20th in their 15 years of production. He attributed the success of his productions to consistency, engaging storylines, and entertaining elements.
Mr Abubakar expressed excitement about the growth of the theatre industry in the country, although he believed there was still room for improvement. He emphasised the importance of theatre in promoting family entertainment and hoped that with media support, the industry could reach its full potential.
After the two-day Accra run, he said "Ghana Must Go" was set to tour the world in August this year, showcasing Ghana's rich cultural heritage and promoting tourism and investment opportunities.
This, he said aimed to put Ghana on the global map and attract visitors and investors to the country.
Call for continued patronage
Lead cast in the stage play, Adjetey Annan, who played the role as “Grand Pa”, expressed gratitude to the public for their support and patronage.
He urged the audience to continue showing their appreciation for the arts, as it inspires the production team to deliver more quality content.
Mr Annan highlighted major challenges facing the industry including, financial constraints and lack of collaboration.
He also emphasised the need for more collaboration among actors and creatives, citing the example of veteran actor, Freda Amugi's behind-the-scenes contribution to the success of the play.
The “Ghana Must Go” cast stressed the need for more collaboration; arguing that it could help reduce costs and make productions more sustainable.
