Shirley on stage with ‘Honeymoon Hotel’

GHANA’S theatre scene is experiencing a thrilling comeback, with new and exciting productions captivating audiences especially in the nation’s capital, Accra.

This fresh and vibrant era for theatre is becoming a powerful and dynamic part of the creative sector once again.

Perhaps, the space has become so attractive, thus catching the eye of renowned Ghanaian filmmaker, Shirley Frimpong-Manso.The announcement of her debut stage play, ‘Honeymoon Hotel’, scheduled for the National Theatre, Accra, from Friday, June 20-22 is generating even more buzz.

With a proven track record of crafting compelling stories for the screen, Shirley’s bold step onto the stage is building curiosity, and already, theatre enthusiasts are already anticipating a good time with ‘Honeymoon Hotel’.

What could have ignited Shirley’s interest in stage plays?

 In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Shirley, who has produced a number of movies including ‘For Love and Country’, ‘Shampaign’, ‘Adam ’s Apple’, ‘Potomanto’ and ‘Perfect Picture’, said she sees a flourishing stage play industry in Ghana.

“I envision a thriving stage play industry in Ghana, with more collaborations between artists and producers. I'd like to play a role in shaping this future by breaking new grounds of storytelling and promoting African narratives,” she said. 

With ‘Honeymoon Hotel’, Shirley Frimpong-Manso is not only making her stage debut but also spearheading a creative renaissance in Ghana's arts scene.

She mentioned to Daily Graphic that her goal is to showcase Ghana's rich cultural heritage through compelling storytelling and global collaborations. 

Promote culture

Shirley believes theatre is a powerful medium for sharing local stories, promoting Ghanaian culture, and showcasing the country's traditions to a global audience, noting, “Theatre can be a dynamic platform where local stories are shared, ensuring that our rich heritage shines not only nationally but also on the global stage."

‘Honeymoon Hotel’ explores love, commitment, deceit, humour and second chances. The play tackles universal themes that resonate with audiences, making it relatable and entertaining.

With a talented cast, including Andrew Tandoh-Adote, Joselyn Dumas, James Gardiner, and Ama K. Abebrese, the play, a collaboration with Africa Arts Network promises to be engaging. 

“I'm excited to direct ‘Honeymoon Hotel’ because it explores universal themes of love, relationships, and human imperfections, which resonate deeply with audiences. The play's setting, a hotel where newlyweds arrive with secrets and mismatched expectations, provides a rich backdrop for storytelling.

 “I also believe theatre is "raw, immediate, and alive" in a way that's different from film. Working with Africa Arts Network has been a thrilling experience, and I'm looking forward to exploring storytelling in its purest form.

 “My filmmaking background will bring a unique perspective to stage plays. I've developed skills in storytelling and character development that will enhance the production,” she added.

Shirley Frimpong Manso is the Chief Executive Officer of Sparrow Studios, a film, television and advertising production company.

Her works as a film producer has won her many awards such as Best Director at the 6th ‘Africa Movie Academy Awards’, and Best Movie Director, Best Video Editor and Best Movie at 2014 ‘Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards’ (AMVCAs)

 In March 2021, she was awarded the Film Director of the Year at ‘Citi TV Entertainment Achievement Awards’.

In February this year, Shirley launched ‘Sparrow Station Channel’, a ‘YouTube’ channel after 18 years of filmmaking to aid in distributing movies, series and shows from the stables of the company.

She explained at the time that the ambition will go beyond merely crafting compelling content since filmmakers were not mere storytellers but a catalyst for change in telling the true African story.

She believes that mandate is more profound as she gears up for her first stage play. 

 “First and foremost, as a creative person, I see myself playing a role in promoting African stories and collaborating with other artists to push the boundaries of Ghanaian theatre.

“However, some challenges in the realisation of such a dream include limited audience engagement and infrastructure. To address these, collaborations between film and theatre can help attract new audiences, and investing in infrastructure can support the growth of the industry,” she said.

Young playwrights

Even though Shirley is excited about the growing interest for stage plays and theatre at large, she had a word of caution for young playwrights and directors.

“My advice would be to take risks, be open to collaborations, and focus on telling unique stories that resonate with audiences,” she said.