Directorial Interpretation of the Adventures of Sasa and Esi: An Experimentation of Theatrical Elements

Abstract

: The Adventures of Sasa and Esi is a dance theatre that takes its story reference from two short Ghanaian folktale stories the Adventures of Sasa and Esi, and the Witch of the Forest which were written by Martin Otchere Owusu and directed by Johnson Kwaku Edu and Latipher Amma Osei. The production was staged at the Amu Theatre of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Education (UEW), Winneba from the 3 rd to the 6 th of November, 2016. Though the play was written for children it appeals to adults due to the lessons embedded in it. Both plays were adapted by the authors to include Ghanaian folk and popular contemporary choreographed dances and theatrical special effects make-up as key theatrical elements to drive the production and to project the element of spectacle. The style of presentation was naturalism and realism. The production also served as a learning platform for the cast and crew who were students in the Department of Theatre Arts, UEW as they participated in it. Through experimentation, experiences, and concept development, the directors’ style and professional background in technical theatre and creative dance heightened the element of naturalism and realism to underscore the theme of the play, understanding, and interpretation of the play.