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0 The National Theatre of Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Image Bureau and April Communications in Accra.
The signing was to create the platform for all three entities to come together to work on the production and staging of one of the most iconic African plays, titled ‘Death and the King’s Horseman’
Mr Henry Herbert Malm, Ag. Executive Director, National Theatre, said the MOU aligned with the Theatre’s mandate to facilitate the development and promotion of the performing arts industry.
“This is the mandate that the National Theatre has delivered on since it opened its doors to the public in 1992 and continues to do so to this day. The signing is just another opportunity to assure our clients of our unflinching support for their ingenuity and industry.”
He said it would not only help develop the industry, but help to create jobs and pass on positive messages that would help the growth of society, to patrons.
He noted that the Theatre would play host to showcase the play and “we want to use this occasion to kick start the publicity for the show.”
“This is the reason why our resident groups will join in as available support to make their programme successful.”
He said the aim was to reach out to a vast audience since messages derived from such performances go a long way to help shape society.
He assured that the Theatre was committed and ready for more collaboration in terms of publicity to increase patronage, as far as the arts are concerned.
Mr George Quaye, Chief Executive Office, Image Bureau, said the play was written by a novel award-winning writer, Wole Soyinka of Nigeria, and it is actually inspired by a true story.
He said the enactment of the play was to highlight the need for loyalty, commitment, and more importantly, emphasize the need to preserve and jealously guard the African cultural and traditional rights and processes.
He said, “Plays like this throw light on our traditions and bring to the realization that our traditions may not be barbaric but have proper significance in society, and it is important to go back and embrace them to avert the ills of current societies.”
He noted that they were working with a crew and cast of over 150 people, promising theatre lovers an exciting experience filled with lots of lessons to take home.
He was optimistic that this collaboration would be more rewarding and exciting, saying even though the play was a difficult and expensive one, the assurances from the Theatre would make it easier.
“We believe this is going to be the epitome of theatre in Africa. We are going to redefine theatre with all the resident groups at the National Theatre and a plethora of seasoned actors and actresses.”
The play would show on August 23, 24, 30, and 31 at the main auditorium of the National Theatre.
