When ‘Tribeless’ means young and determined
All kinds of sparks are let loose when young people come together; and in Kobina Ansah’s latest play called ‘Tribeless’, it is perseverance clothed in exciting rap, music, dance and good acting that fly off the stage to inspire the audience.
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‘Tribeless’ is the enterprising playwright’s fifth outing and it will be on at the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio, University of Ghana, Legon on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17 at 5p.m. and 8p.m. each night.
It is a four-cast production that throbs with youthful energy, creativity and useful lessons for all, especially young folks who think they have come to their wits end in terms of achieving their desired goals.
Kobina Ansah works closely with his Scribe Productions team
“We all have various kinds of setbacks and challenges. Some have jobs but are not being paid well, others don’t have jobs at all. No matter the headache, however, young people need to know they must keep on persevering and success can be achieved the right way.
“They don’t need to cut corners to achieve what they want. So ‘Tribeless’ is for people who want to be inspired, who want to step out of the ordinary into extraordinary circumstances,” says Kobina Ansah on the issues that stick out in his upcoming play.
A scene from ‘My Wife-In-Law’
The young man who studied Biochemistry at the University of Ghana, Legon but is now a full-time playwright has already put out ‘This Family Is Not For Sale (Season 1 and 2)’, ‘My Wife In-Law’ and ‘I Want To Sue God’.
His current work is set in a deprived area and tells the story of four friends: a ‘trotro’ conductor, pick-pocket, a head porter and a hawker. They are all ambitious to change their circumstances despite the differences that exist among them.
‘Tribeless’ is a four-cast play
On deciding to use their various artistic inclinations to help pull them out of their dire circumstances, they form a music and dance group called Tribeless. Serious rehearsals follow as they come up with catchy stage routines.
They enter a contest and win but as they ready themselves to become a household name, conflict sets in and threatens to destabilise their dream. What happens from there?
“The idea is to persevere no matter what comes our way. If we believe in our dreams, we will be able to achieve them. I’m happy with the characters I have created for the play because I, somehow, find myself in the way they aspire to achieve things for themselves,” the playwright noted.
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Humour is an important element in Kobina Ansah’s plays
After four years as a Biology teacher at St Roses Senior High School at Akwatia in the Eastern Region, Kobina Ansah opted to become a full-time playwright in 2015. It has not been an easy road since then but he is determined to carry on.
“I enjoyed writing though, but not plays. When I made up my mind about devoting time to plays, I took advantage of some friends already into theatre. I went to join them backstage and watched what they were doing. I picked up a few things and then set out to do something on my own,” he added.
The playwright says he has no regrets quitting his teaching job though it has been tough finding sponsors for his plays. The forces that drive him on, he says, are passion and sacrifice.
“If I had all the money in the world, I would still put it into a stage play. I think it is rewarding, though not financially. You have people come up to you and say we came to see this play of yours and we liked it so much because it touched us in a certain way.
“The social change plays help to bring about is what appeals to me as a writer/director. That’s what gives me joy. Even though it might not reflect in my pocket, it might reflect in someone’s heart and it makes me happy.”
According to him, people often ask if his Biochemistry background helps as a playwright and his answer is always in the positive. To him, the scientific training has not been a waste.
Kobina Ansah is happy his brand is being appreciated by a growing number of theatre fans
“In Biochemistry, you are taught to be analytical in everything you do. That helps in my writing. One needs to research very well before putting out information. You don’t just say things you are not convinced about. I need to have details and proof before I state anything. So l’m still applying my Biochemistry, though not in a laboratory situation.”
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Kobina Ansah, who works with his Scribe Productions team, says the cast of ‘Tribeless’ are fired up for the production and he wants everyone to come by and see the unique blend of rap, music, dance and good acting at the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio, University of Ghana, Legon on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17 at 5p.m. and 8p.m. each night.