Achimota theatre group gets standing ovation from Akufo Addo

A theatre performance by old students of Achimota School at the National Theatre in Accra on Saturday won the heart of Ghanaian president, Nana Akufo-Addo, who joined other high profile personalities at the event in a standing ovation to show appreciations to the performers.

The pirate ship docked at the National Theatre in Accra last weekend when old students of Achimota School gathered to reenact the 1983 British-American romantic musical masterpiece, ‘The Pirate of Penzance’, written by W. S Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.

The comic opera was performed and organised by the old students’ association and some third-year students of the Achimota School as part of a year-long activities to commemorate the school’s 90th anniversary celebration.

With the recent popularity of ‘Pirates of The Caribbean’ films, the planning committee of the anniversary decided that a pirate musical would be a lot of fun for students and the audience.

The musical story weaves freedom and servitude into a tapestry that could only be comprehended by the audience that was attracted to the nation’s entertainment dome.

Breathing the fresh air of freedom, Frederic met Mabel, the daughter of one Major General Stanley, and the two fell in love. He was later to learn that he was born on February 29, which means he can only celebrate his birthday on every leap year.

But this sunk after learning that his apprenticeship had not come to an end. The pirates explained to him he had only served five years, which means he would have to serve for 63 years before he would meet the requirement.

It was a story that held high-powered audience, including President Akufo-Addo and wife, Rebecca, as special guests for the occasion.

Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings glued to their seats as details of the masterpiece worked on them.

Frederic was played by Head Personal & Business Banking at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Nana Dwemoh Benneh, and Mabel was acted by musician Irene Logan.