The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ghana has partnered with playwright Latif Abubakar’s Globe Productions Limited for a cross-country theatre festival in Ghana.
The partnership, which forms part of activities marking the Korean Cultural Festival, was sealed with the official launch of a groundbreaking theatrical production, Sim Majorley, aimed at deepening Ghana-Korea relations.
Speaking at the launch event in Accra, Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Park Kyongsig, said the festival, scheduled for August 2 in Tema and August 9 at the Accra International Conference Centre, is designed to promote cultural exchange and bring Korea closer to Ghanaian audiences. “The highlight of this year’s festival is a theatrical performance based on the famous Korean classical novel Simcheongjeon, or The Story of Sim Cheong, reinterpreted through a Ghanaian lens and performed by Ghanaian actors,” the ambassador announced.
Meaningful cultural collaboration
Describing the production as a “meaningful cultural collaboration”, Ambassador Kyongsig said it embodies Korea’s growing commitment to strengthening ties with Ghana through the arts. “Writing a new chapter in Ghana-Korea cultural diplomacy, we are proudly working with Globe Productions, one of Ghana’s most respected theatre companies,” he noted.
Sim Majorley
Directed by the celebrated playwright, Latif Abubakar, the theatre adaptation, Sim Majorley, tells the story of a devoted daughter who sacrifices herself to the sea gods to restore her blind father’s sight—a tale rooted in the Korean original but infused with Ga traditions and Ghanaian cultural symbolism. “By placing this story within the cultural rhythms, language and symbolism of the Ga people, we have not only preserved the essence of the Korean original but also created a platform for cross-cultural understanding, creative fusion and mutual appreciation,” Mr. Abubakar stated.
He revealed that there will be two showings of Sim Majorley on August 9 at the Accra International Conference Centre—at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.—and called on Ghanaians to come and witness “a fusion of heritage, heart and hope”.
Aside from the theatrical performance, the festival will feature K-pop dance showcases by Ghanaian youth as well as Korean culture booths where patrons can experience Korean food, innovations and traditions. The organisers say the decision to host part of the festival in Tema is aimed at making Korean culture more accessible to Ghanaians outside Accra.
Ambassador Kyongsig added that the festival symbolises more than entertainment—it is a cultural bridge. “It is our sincere wish that this event will help deepen mutual understanding and further strengthen the cultural ties between our two countries.”
The Korean Cultural Festival is part of the broader outreach under the Korean Embassy’s ongoing scholarship programme, which also supports cultural education and people-to-people exchange between the two nations. “Together, let us continue to tell stories that move us, and move the world,” Mr. Abubakar concluded.
Tickets for Sim Majorley are expected to go on sale later this month, with heavy anticipation from both theatre lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
