Performing
A drama group performing in *twi at Ghana’s 60th
Independence Anniversary event, I found was spectacular, since Ghana has over 60 languages, with English being the formal.
Why Twi?
Members of the government are now mainly *Akan and speak Twi.
Approximately 80% of Ghanaians speak or understand some words in Twi. That
could be the reason for the choice of language. Just guessing.
But
There is pride amongst the different tribal groups. The
traditions are different but unique. They are not always tolerant of each other
and would rather their language was chosen. We have a kind of ‘North-South
divide’.
And yet
Performances can get away with it. Using props, gestures,
actions, sounds and more. Actors can make the scenes understandable from their
facial expressions, high pitched sounds or types of background music. This can
lead to the audience understanding the story line.
So
Choosing to perform in Twi, though controversial, did the
trick. People are tolerant because they can make their own meaning. I put
myself in the shoes of the foreign dignitaries who would obviously have no inkling
of the language being spoken. Yes, they would understand the gist of the performance, which was ashort
skit about the importance of Education.
*twi- language spoken by the Akan’s – in Ghana
*Akan- people inhabiting Southern Ghana
Very interesting! Much like my favorite format: I call it Somebody/wanted/but/so
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! Much like my favorite format: I call it Somebody/wanted/but/so
ReplyDelete