December in Ghana with National Theatre

THEATRE enthusiasts are in for a good treat next month when the National Theatre of Ghana hosts its annual December in Ghana from Thursday, December 12-21.

In collaboration with its three resident groups–The Drama Company, Ghana Dance Ensemble and National Symphony Orchestra, the Theatre will serve patrons a variety of performances, including Ghanaian traditional and contemporary dances, concerts and live stage drama, among others.

Supported by Beyond the Return Secretariat, the upcoming event aims at creating awareness of the richness and diversity of Ghanaian art, and cultural values and also generate pride and respect for Ghana’s heritage.

December in Ghana is scheduled to be hosted at the National Theatre at 6 pm each day, starting on Thursday, December 12 with a Highlife Jam featuring the National Symphony Orchestra presenting a selection of classical Ghanaian Highlife music from the 60s, 70s and 80s to entertain patrons.

On Friday, December 13, the National Dance Company will treat the audience to a dance presentation on the theme: ‘Esoyor’, an Afro-contemporary dance piece.

The National Drama Company takes its turn the next day, Saturday, December 14, with Bride of the Gods, a play written by the late Yaw Asare.

On Thursday, December 19, there will be a live musical performance on the theme: ‘Mixed Bags’, by the National Symphony Orchestra to highlight the richness and diversity of both Western and African classical music traditions.

A dance drama, King’s Dilemma, presented by the National Dance Company, comes off on Friday, December 20. King’s Dilemma is a unique piece that narrates the story of a king of Nyindongom whose subjects are terrorised by a wild beast that kills anything that crosses its path.

On Saturday, December 21, the National Drama Company will stage a play, Son of Umbelle, a masterpiece by Bill Marshall, to bring the curtains down on this year’s December in Ghana.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, a Communications Officer of the National Theatre of Ghana, Joyce Bekoe, said December in Ghana has been designed to give patrons the opportunity to explore Ghana’s unique culture.

“The goal of December in Ghana is not only to entertain both local and foreign cultural enthusiasts but also to create a platform for them to explore Ghana’s unique culture, art and entertainment,” she stated.

December in Ghana forms part of the larger commitment of the National Theatre to project theatre in Ghana.