Theatre Festival in honour of Efua Sutherland kicks off at National Theatre today

This year’s Ghana Theatre festival in honour of celebrated poet and playwright, Efua T. Sutherland starts today with the play, Agoro directed by Elizabeth Sutherland, granddaughter of Efua Sutherland at the National Theatre.

The festival was officially launched at the National Theatre on Tuesday, September 24, with a call for Ghana, Africa and the world to be inspired by her literary works.

In his address, the Board Chairman of National Theatre of Ghana, Nana Fredua Agyeman Ofori-Atta mentioned that Efua Sutherland’s plays embody “who are we and who we were.”

“Today and this week, we celebrate her proudly and hope by this celebration to remind Ghanaians, Africans and the world, of the treasure we had in her and the treasures we had in ourselves.

“We hope by these celebrations, the performances, and talks, we would have inspired and re-inspired talents out there to do what Ms Sutherland did and more.

“The talents are out there, it is for us to unearth them and share them with the world and that that is what this Theatre festival is about,” he stated. 

This year's festival, supported by key cultural and corporate partners, will feature four of Efua Sutherland plays namely Agoro, Edufa, Foriwaa and Marriage of Anansewaa.

Already, the first session of Agoro was staged at 12 noon today and there will be encore at 6:00pm. 

On Friday, September 27 will be Foriwa, produced by Abibigromma troupe from the School of Performing Arts and directed by Benjamin Anum Quaye. This play explores post-colonial themes and social progress, will be performed at 5pm and 8pm. 

Saturday's lineup will feature one of Sutherland’s most cherished works, The Marriage of Anansewa, a delightful comedy full of wit and wisdom. This production, co-produced by April Communications in partnership with Imagebureau and the National Theatre, will be held on Saturday, September 28t at 4pm and 8pm.

Closing the festival is Edufa, another one of Sutherland’s timeless works. Produced by Fiifi Coleman Productions, this gripping tale of tradition, sacrifice, and the human condition will be performed on Sunday, September 29, with showings at 4pm and 8pm.

The Ghana Theatre Festival 2024 is proudly supported by The Ghana Tourism Authority, Electrochem Ghana, 4UK Visas, JoyFM, and brought to life by the generous sponsorship of The National Lottery Authority and Ghana Gas.

Audiences will experience the magic of Efua T. Sutherland's timeless stories and her profound impact on African theatre.

 About Efua Sutherland

Efua Theodora Sutherland is a Ghanaian Playwright, Poet, Essayist, Children's Author, Researcher, Public Intellectual, Educator, Child Advocate, Cultural Activist, Institution

Builder and Pan Africanist. She was born on 27th June 1924 in Cape Coast and trained atMonica’s Teacher Training College in Mampong Asante and Homerton College, England. Alongside her teaching career, she quickly became one of the pioneers of Ghana’s arts scene.

She led the Ghanaian Theatre movement and was to be counted among Africa’s internationally renowned writers. 

In 1960, Sutherland founded the Ghana Drama Studio and developed studies in theatre at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. She was known for establishing /inspiring several cultural institutions, and programmes including children’s park-library complexes, Du Bois Centre, Kusum Agoromba, Mmofra Foundation, Afram Publications and PANAFEST. 

The year 2024 is the centenary of Efua T. Sutherland. This milestone is being commemorated. In Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, and the United States.