Shakespeare Lives in Ghana 2016

“To be or not to be, that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them. To die- to sleep-” 

For ARIS staff and students, this quote by Hamlet has new meaning, especially after enjoying a spectacular performance filled with suspense and humor at the National Theatre in Accra, by kind courtesy of the British Council.

The Shakespeare Lives programme, commissioned research that has highlighted the restrictions women and girls face growing up in Ghana and they have started to work with young artists and students to explore how the arts present an opportunity and an escape; a chance for the heart to beat out its greatness.

An original production created for the project, by playwright Chief Moomen, in collaboration with UK playwright, Diana Atuona, draws both on their research and the themes and devices of Shakespeare to address gender issues. They used the platform of theatre and the media generated by the play to raise the profile of women’s achievements in Ghana, whilst highlighting the restrictions that can come from prevailing social norms and media perceptions.