Playwright Latif Abubakar has stressed that integrating technology is no longer optional for Ghana’s creative sector, especially for productions seeking to compete on major international platforms.
He said innovation, particularly the use of modern screens as the set design, applying artificial intelligence (AI) for background research, had become essential in enhancing the quality, accuracy and global appeal of modern theatre.
“From research and character study to voicing the Pan-African freedom fighters who appear in the production are due to the application of appropriate technology,” Mr Abubakar, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Globe Productions, a theatre firm, explained in an interview with Daily Graphic, yesterday.
In that vein, he added, AI tools played a crucial role in the redevelopment of his play, The Second Coming of Nkrumah: The Musical, which forms part of this year’s African Festival.
The African Festival, which features, music, theatre, exhibitions and fun parks, is organised by Globe Productions in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and supported by the ECOWAS Bank, the Ghana Tourism Authority, MoMo and other stakeholders.
Latif believes that Ghanaian theatre had the talent to rival productions such as The Lion King or Hamilton.
“What we need is the right packaging, supported by technology and proper structures to make our productions globally competitive,” he said.
Festival
The festival coincides with Ghana’s bustling December tourism season and will run from December 28 to 30 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
The event opens on December 28 with a vibrant street carnival and opening ceremony, after which the first headline show, Don Quixote Africa, will be staged.
On December 29, patrons will be treated to The Second Coming of Nkrumah: The Musical.The festival will then climax on December 30 with a grand musical concert featuring Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Rocky Dawuni, Wiyaala, Amandzeba and the Adaha Band.
"The festival’s three-day programme has been designed to showcase the full breadth of African creativity, drawing thousands of visitors from across the continent, the diaspora and the Caribbean," he said.
Expectation
On what to expect at the festival, Mr Abubakar said patrons would be immersed in a Pan-African cultural city at the AICC, offering a one-stop experience for families, tourists and diaspora returnees.
"Highlights include a live reproduction of the Pyramid of Giza, Africa’s largest contemporary art installation by Ibrahim Mahama, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site installation, and an interactive Den of History storytelling arena.
"Visitors can also enjoy camel rides in a Sahara-themed desert zone, explore Africa’s largest kiddies’ play area, and experience vibrant art markets, food courts, and interactive cultural zones, all designed to celebrate Africa’s heritage and creativity," he said.
Also, Mr Abubakar stated that the festival’s three-day line-up was designed not only for entertainment, but also to boost Ghana’s creative economy, create over 1,000 jobs and position the country as Africa’s leading December destination.
Challenges, breakthroughs
Despite the scale of the production, Mr Abubakar disclosed that one of the biggest challenges during planning was the high cost involved in targeting international markets, especially with transporting and accommodating performers.
“We initially planned for a cast of 150, but due to economic considerations, we had to reduce it to 50 to make the production financially viable globally,” he explained.
Policy, growth
When asked about policy hurdles hindering the industry, Mr Abubakar stated that while Ghana had several creative industry policies, the challenge lay in activating them.
“The policies exist. What we need is support to activate them so we can move this production beyond Ghana and earn foreign exchange.”
He said the collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Foreign Affairs Ministry would help to explore global touring prospects.
Opportunities
The festival also presents major opportunities for emerging talents.
According to Mr Abubakar, about 30 per cent of the cast and crew were new entrants.
“This platform can put them on the global map. Once you create a multimillion-dollar platform that attracts international partners and producers, everybody involved has a chance to upgrade their career.”
He, therefore, encouraged young creatives to take advantage of the growing global creative economy, which is expected to surpass $30 billion by 2030.
Tickets
Tickets for the three-day festival are already selling fast. Prices are GH¢300 per day, GH¢750 for a three-day pass, and GH¢500 for VIP.
Tickets can be purchased via 4471092# or through the festival’s website.
