Earlier this yr, an vital occasion occurred in Kumasi on April twentieth. The group behind the favored satirical courtroom sequence ‘Kejetia vs. Makola’, led by Reaser Legacy Productions, has teamed up with the Kumawood Ashanti Movie Affiliation (KAFA) to carry stay theater again to town with a efficiency titled ‘Judas vs. Jesus’.
Individuals got here anticipating jokes and leisure. What they acquired was one thing deeper. It was a reminder of what it felt like when Ashanti Theater was alive.
The laughter, the tales, the group reactions, it felt each nostalgic and new on the similar time. When the curtains closed that night time, individuals had been already asking when the subsequent present can be.
Properly, there’s the reply.
This Sunday, October twenty sixth, at KNUST’s CCB Auditorium, the group will likely be again with the second version of Ashanti Dramalogue. That includes a brand new courtroom efficiency entitled ‘Akwaaba vs. Obak’, it’s one other authentic story instructed in Kejetia vs. Makola’s signature model – daring, witty, trustworthy and proud Ashanti.
Greater than only a present, a step in the direction of rebuilding the business
This resurgence is not any coincidence.
When Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoaakohene took workplace, one in every of his objectives was very clear. It was the artistic arts of this area that wanted consideration, and never reward, speeches or constructions. One thing strong sufficient to develop.
He initiated and supported the institution of the Kumawood Ashanti Movie Affiliation (KAFA) which introduced collectively actors, administrators, filmmakers, writers, costume designers, musicians, crew and all artistic staff underneath one coordinated group.
However each facility wants a house.
That is what this present is about.
Proceeds from Akwaaba vs Oobakɛ will likely be used to safe everlasting workplace services for KAFA. It is the place conferences happen, productions are deliberate, new expertise is mentored, scripts are developed, and movies and performs are purposefully organized.
Briefly:
That is the way you go from “we’re striving” to “we’re constructing.”
carry individuals collectively and make it work
As a part of efforts to construct momentum and help, a small delegation of artists, together with Justice Louis Ramis, Mr. Akabenzah, Mr. Nana Gyasi Owusu, and the Private Assistant of the Ashanti Area, Mr. Emmanuel Opoku Anane, visited key leaders and companions throughout town.
They met with the Mayor of Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional NDC Chairman, businessman Ibrahim Mahama and later President John Mahama.
The assembly was not about politics. Nevertheless, there are some issues that we do not do usually in Ghana.
Ask for help for the humanities overtly, significantly, and respectfully.
And this help was accompanied by encouragement, goodwill, and a shared hope that the initiative would develop.
Why is that this vital now?
There was a time when Kumawood was not simply leisure, however tradition. It influenced language, trend, humor, and the way in which we see ourselves.
Despite the fact that instances have modified, his expertise has by no means been misplaced. We simply wanted a spot to get collectively once more.
This present, and the workplace it is serving to to construct, is a step towards that finish. A small however true step.
And generally, huge occasions come again. It is not about making an enormous announcement, it is about getting individuals collectively.
