Launch of the “Queen and King” dance project in Accra.
The French Embassy in collaboration with the National Theatre of Ghana has launched a dance project to commemorate the death of Ghanaian writer and dramatist, the late Efo Kodjo Mawugbe.
The Director of Alliance Français in Ghana, Mrs. Stephanie Soleansky, who represented France at the launch, said the French Embassy was truly seduced by the idea of a project that would merge artistic talents from all the three countries involved, from three different cultures, leading to the creation of a totally new contemporary choreographic piece; hence its willingness to support the ambitious artistic co-production.
Mrs. Soleansky also revealed that her organization was proud to be associated with a production based on the work of Efo Kodjo Mawugbe, whom she described as an “outstanding writer and person”.
In her address, the Minister of Tourism, Culture &Creative Arts, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu- Adjare, said the Dance project fell under the partnership agreement between the national theatre and the Alliance Françias in Ghana for the choreographic reinvention of Efo Kodjo Mawugbé’s play entitled “In the Chest of a Woman”.
Hon. Ofosu- Adjare added that the project also had a component for production of a dramatic piece to be derived from the works of Efo Kodjo Mawugbe.
She noted that the technical staff from the other two participating countries (Ghana and France) would interact through workshops and master classes with the sector in Ghana.
According to her, the form and content of the project fitted perfectly into the grand agenda for the sustainable development and promotion of the creative arts in Ghana and abroad.
“It is my hope and expectation that the planned auditions for the various segments for the project will be carried out in a fair and transparent manner so as to attract the best crop of artistes for the most beautiful rendition of the choreographed pieces,” she added.
The dance project dubbed “Queen and King”, which combines contemporary African dance and theater, will be created by an international artistic team, bringing four Ghanaian dancers and four Ivorian dancers.
Also involved in the production are French Director Arthur Lestrange, Franco-Ivorian choreographer Joseph Aka, a French composer and two musicians from Côte d’Ivoire and France.
The “Queen and King”, dance project is scheduled to premiere in Ghana in March next year.
By: Prince Asare, Diplomatic Call
