Entertainment
National Theatre thrills patrons with ‘EFU PƆNKƆ’
Theatre enthusiasts who flocked the National Theatre of Ghana last week were treated to a total Theatre Production dubbed “EFU PƆNKƆ”.
‘EFU PƆNKƆ’ is a folk story based on the music composed by the late Bob Cole entitled, “Ɛdwen ɖɛɛ ɛre yɛ me”.
This production used the folk story as a metaphor in total theatre to highlight challenges facing the country, including illegal mining popularly known as “Galamsey” which has been identified as the major source of water pollution.
The Theatre showed how sediments deposited into water bodies during illegal mining with heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, and lead which is toxic to aquatic life and humans.
The educative performance also demonstrated complications associated with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The act , mostly carried out on young girls and adolescents, is influenced by a mix of sociocultural factors within families and communities.
It also looked at open Defecation, improper disposal of waste, littering of plastics and sand winning which are major threat to the environment.
Another issue that was dramatized was school dropouts and the consequences on the children.
These include premature sexual activity, early pregnancy, delinquency, crime, violence, and drug abuse.
It also highlighted different categories of continuous conflicts such as chieftaincy succession, and land disputes , which sometimes deteriorate into serious violence conflicts to destabilize the peace of the nation.
The production had a blend of percussive dance styles and dramatised sketches with narrations incorporated with aesthetic melodies.
It was presented by the National Theatre of Ghana through its residence groups – National Dance Company, National Drama Company, and National Symphony Orchestra, and in collaboration with the Ghana Concert Party.
The production is part of efforts the National Theatre is making to fulfill its mandate, which is to develop and promote the performing arts in Ghana.
Each year, the three resident groups come together to produce a piece that is steeped in the Abibigro concept, with a high standard of artistic expression, which focused on projecting the Nation’s positive cultural values.
By Joyce Bekoe
The Christmas festivities were nothing short of fun and excitement, especially for patrons of Dodi World in Akosombo in the Eastern Region.
A major highlight was a memorable voyage aboard the famous MV Dodi Princess II, a 150-capacity pleasure boat, which sailed to the scenic Dodi Island, an 84-hectare natural haven.
Among the patrons was a vibrant social group known as ‘Weekend Day Out’, which brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds and workplaces to interact, share ideas and enjoy memorable leisure experiences.
On December 26, the group joined hundreds of other fun lovers to fill the vessel to capacity for what many described as an experience of a lifetime.
The over five-hour journey from Dodi World through to Dodi Island was electrifying. Patrons enjoyed breath-taking rare views of the island’s rich natural scenery and wildlife before returning onboard for the cruise back to the starting point.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by music from DJs and a live band, complemented by an array of drinks and grilled meals, ensuring both young and old had something to cheer about throughout the voyage.
For members of the Weekend Day Out group, the trip served as a joyful reunion with friends after a year of professional commitments, while also providing an opportunity to plan future adventures in the coming year.
Speaking after the event, one of the patrons, Ms Gloria Yaa Baby, said although she had embarked on the voyage several times, the most recent experience was particularly breathtaking and memorable.
“This one was different, with more people and interactive sessions. It gave me many reasons to return and experience the fun again with the Weekend Day Out group,” she stated.
With another exciting adventure scheduled for March this year, she encouraged Ghanaians to make time out of their busy schedules to relax, unwind and enjoy life.
By Spectator Reporter
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Joshua Kojo Ampah, a member of the Keche group has stated that the attitude of Nigerian audience during the performance of Ghanaian artiste Stonebwoy and Wendy Shay at the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held in Lagos, Nigeria was intentional.
The hiplife artiste shared his sentiments on social media over the cold reception given to the Ghanaian performers.
“They know Stonebwoy’s songs, they know Wendy Shay’s songs, but they will not get up to hail you. They know what they were doing,” he stated.
He added that performances by Stonebwoy and Wendy Shay were top notch but most audience did not want to relate to the song.
“Is there was any rapper in Africa bigger than Sarkodie? Are there any dancehall artistes in Africa bigger than Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy” he quizzed.
He contrasted this with the energetic reception given to Nigerian legend P Square, who performed at the same event.
Joshua blamed this on the Ghanaian attitude towards its own artistes within the Ghanaian music industry itself.
He argued that the lack of respect for local talents in Ghana was responsible for their reception abroad.
“But do you know why we are not respected out there? We do not see ourselves as such. “Until we in Ghana start respecting our own, the people out there will not respect them,” he concluded.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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