There was a massive turnout of patrons as celebrated Ghanaian playwright Latif Abubakar, in partnership with the Embassy of Spain in Ghana, thrilled theatre lovers in Takoradi and its environs over the weekend with an encore of his adaptation play, ‘Life is a Dream’.
The audience, who turned up in their number, were left in awe as they could not help but applaud in excitement while each scene and act unfolded in suspense. Fused with educational pieces, drama, dance, laughter and a blend of rich Gonja culture, the play – which had its setting in Gonjaland – is an adaptation of a Spanish script by Pedro Calderon de la Barca.
Following a successful premier in Accra, the play, which has been adapted to a Ghanaian and Afrocentric version, tells the story of Prince Tijani who had been imprisoned in a tower by his father – King Abdullah – following a prophecy that he would bring disaster to the kingdom and ultimately the death of the king.
Birthed in 1635, performed on almost all stages in Europe and staged for the second time in Africa by the award winning playwright, the play explored the deepest mysteries of human experience which teaches that the world of our senses is a mere shadow, and the only reality is to be found in the invisible and eternal.
It also focused on morality, honour and vengeance, centring on conflict between freewill and fate as well as the restoration of one’s honour. Featuring sensational actor, Bright Kekeli Jefferson, Pearl Darkey, OB Black, Kofi Boakye, Abraham Macpratt Dadzie and 2020 Ghana Most Beautiful winner – Naa Deide Botchwey, it explored escaping from life’s confusion to awareness of reality and self-knowledge as well as the deepest mysteries of human experience.
Growing collaboration
Commending the audience for massively showing up, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Spanish Embassy, Ghana, Deigo Spottorno, said the play highlighted the growing collaboration between Ghana and Spain.
Mr. Spottorno, who expressed appreciation to the cast and crew for a good performance, was hopeful about the impact of the play on humanity.
Mr. Abubakar said the play, among other things, has sparked international relationships between Ghana and Spain beyond traditional trades to arts and culture. The playwright, who has adapted a Spanish script for the second time, said the adaptation has been a challenge that proved worthwhile.
‘Life is a dream’ is in partnership with the Embassy of Spain–Ghana, BenMarine Services, The African Film Festival, The Second Coming of Nkrumah, and powered by Globe Productions Limited.
