From humble beginnings with his first play at the National Theatre of Ghana in February 2009, Ghanaian Playwright Latif Abubakar has staged his first play outside the borders of Ghana.
After his first stage play ‘Romantic Nonsense’ which sold out on February 14, 2009, the celebrated playwright, who caught the attention of the BBC World Service and was interviewed on the resurgence of theatre Ghana, has again set Ghana on the world stage with his latest production at the Centro Cultural, Casa de Vacas, in Madrid, Spain.
The play, which is an Afrocentric version of Spanish Novelist Miguel Delibes’ ‘Five Hours with Mario’ novel, kept the audience glued to their seats as the playwright thrilled them with doses of laughter and excitement.
Fused with music, comedy and drama, the play, which sought to combine traditional and contemporary arts to explore the authenticity of rural life compared to life in the city, is considered as a reflection of humanity.
Afrocentric version
Originally written by Nobel Prize winner Miguel Delibes to portray death as the ultimate and a definitive milestone in human life, the monologue play – which has been adapted into a Ghanaian and Afrocentric version for the first time – tells the story of Dzidzor, who after the death of her husband Mario, watches over his body and sheds light on their respective personalities and their conflicts throughout their marriage.
Besides showcasing the Ghanaian culture and entertainment, the play aimed at deepening the Spain-Ghana relationship beyond traditional trade to arts and culture. In an interview, Mr Abubakar, who has successfully adapted two Spanish plays into Afrocentric versions, said the feat did not come on a silver platter.
Recounting some difficulties he has encountered in his 15 years of theatre production, including challenges with ticket sales and getting sponsorships, the playwright said he remained focused on his goals; and dreams of setting Ghana’s theatre industry beyond the African continent.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Abubakar – who focuses on theatre for development – indicated that he has also been blessed with amazing partners, and adorable patrons whose motivation has kept him going.
Touching on the milestone he has achieved, Mr. Abubakar noted that the production in Madrid was made possible via a Spain-Ghana collaboration initiated by the immediate past Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Javier Gutierrez.
Credited with 20 stage plays, the celebrated playwright, whose passion is to project Ghana’s theatre industry to the world, is also credited with staging a virtual live play on COVID-19 with a record 3.5 million live views, and Ghana’s first open-air theatre.
Expressing gratitude to the Ghanaian Embassy in Spain, the Spanish Embassy in Ghana, as well as everyone who contributed to this milestone, Mr. Abubakar said: “A new chapter has just begun, and we will surely take Europe by storm with world-class Ghana-made productions”.
Enduring power
Describing the play as a testament to the enduring power of cultural exchange, Ghana’s ambassador to Spain, Muhammad Adam, said the timing of the production could not have been more appropriate.
He said theatre in all its forms serves as a mirror that reflects the complexities, struggles and triumphs of society, noting that it was a reminder of the importance of building bridges between nations, beyond traditional diplomacy and trade.
Mr. Adam indicated that Ghana’s vibrant tradition of storytelling spans generations that shaped the national identity and reflected the heartbeat of its people, adding that the play would mark the beginning of a great partnership between Ghanaian and Spanish theatre industries. Commending the playwright and his production team, Mr. Adam said: “Your artistry enriches our lives and broadens our perspectives of the world.
12,000 plus audience
The play, which has been staged a number of times at the Accra International Conference Centre in September 2022, attracted an impressive 10,000 plus audience. Subsequent editions staged at the Red Clay Studios in Tamale and in the middle of the Volta Lake on the MV Dodi Princess at Akosombo further attracted 2,000 plus audiences.
The production was in partnership with the Spanish Embassy in Accra, the Embassy of Ghana in Spain and The African Festival, with support from Graphic Communications Group Ltd. and powered by Globe Productions Ltd.
