FAIRY TALE IN ELMINA

Laura White - Projects Abroad

In Nana Kobina Gyan Square this afternoon a dramatization of the traditional tale of Cinderella, was given an African Twist.  Performed by the Ghana Dance Ensemble and the Ghana Dance Troupe the play was a combination of old dramatic methods and modern pantomime fused with African Dance and singing renamed Cynderama. The musical enlisted the all star cast of Edinam Atatsi, Dzifa Glikopi, and Mawuli Semevor allowing for a talented and engaging performance despite frustrating technical difficulties throughout the musical.

The traditional Ancient Greek style of theatre with a running commentary provided by a ‘chorus’ in the form of a court Jester, the simple costume changes signifying different characters and the musical interludes between scenes allowed for the somewhat archaic style to be utilized in a modern way. The vibrant and colourful acting encouraged the audience to contribute to the play, and thoroughly entertained the young school children present absorbing the style of pantomime without making it melodramatic. Although these somewhat different styles would struggle to fuse together, the talent of the actors and the clever directing allowed for a successful cocktail of genres. 

Cynederama follows the traditional folk story of Cinderella: of which there are versions throughout the world; Rhodophis (Ancient Greek), Cenicienta (Spain), Aschenputtel (Germany), Ye Xian (China) to name but a few. The tale of Cinderella was made famous by Charles Perrault in 1697, when he introduced the fairy godmother, pumpkin and glass slippers; integral parts of the modern version accepted today. It tells the tale of a step daughter abused and mistreated by her step mother and her evil step sisters finding romance in the arms of a prince and above all freedom and happiness.

Rewritten by the award winning Efo Mawugbe and directed by Francisca Quartey, the musical has been provided with a modern twist aimed at children. Cynderama’s chief goal is to fulfill her mother’s dying wish and go to university and not the traditional get married and live happily ever after, although a handsome prince might easily convince her. The didactic message of being loyal and faithful to both family and the individual filters down through the acts, makes for a creative and engaging environment. It is only through   a series of moral challenges and not succumbing to temptations that Cinderella ends up with her prince.

It was clear from the laughing crowd, the giggling and chatter that the play was enjoyed by it general audience. Thanks to the Dr. Annan, MP KEAA and the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry for making it possible.