National Theatre presents 'Efu Pɔnkɔ' on August 25&26

The National Theatre of Ghana is set to thrill theatre patrons to a total theatre performance when it stages its latest play, Efu Pɔnkɔ (The Camel) on Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26.

The upcoming play which is under the auspices of the Ministry of Arts, Tourism and Culture is a creative collaboration of the resident groups of National Theatre -National Dance Company, National Symphony Orchestra, and the National Drama Company- and the Ghana Concert Party.

 Efu Pɔnkɔ is a unique folk story based on the music of the late Bob Cole titled, "Ɛdwen ɖɛɛ ɛre yɛ me".   

It tells the tale of a community where a certain animal called "Efu Pɔnkɔ" lives. After eating and getting satisfied, Efu Pɔnkɔ starts doing foolish things, to the displeasure of everyone.

 He refuses to listen to the wisdom of his friend the "Cat" to stop the foolishness every time but rather calls him a thief.

During one of his foolish acts, he kicks his master’s son, hurting him in the process. The master’s son is rushed to the hospital for treatment. However, due to the degree of his injury, he dies.

 The death of the master’s son lands all the other animals  - Horse, Goat, Sheep, Cow and Fowl in trouble. The Horse gets hurt while running to call the doctor to save the boy's life.

Towards the funeral, all the other animals were taken to the slaughter house for the preparation of sumptuous meals for sympathisers, family members and friends, who will come to mourn.

 The theme of Efu Pɔnkɔ relates to many negative happenings in today’s Ghana such as illegal mining, poor sanitation, ethnic conflicts, teenage pregnancy and school dropouts.

It also focuses on highlighting and addressing other issues like rural and urban migration, stowaway through cargo ships bound to other countries, and other social menaces stifling the country’s development.

As the drama unfolds with Efu Pɔnkɔ and Cat playing lead characters, patrons are taken across all the regions in Ghana.

The production will be presented through artistic movements, with a blend of percussive dance styles, dramatic sketches with narration incorporated with aesthetically pleasing melodies.

Tickets will be selling at GHC100 at the gate.

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