Theatre productions now cheaper, family-friendly than concerts - George Quaye

Popular playwright and event organiser George Quaye has expressed optimism that the theatre industry in Ghana is receiving relevant attention from Ghanaians.

He attributes this to theatre productions being more family-friendly and cheaper than musical concerts.

In an interview with MX24 TV, George Quaye recounted how his 13-show run of "The Gods Are Not To Blame" was met with massive patronage, with full houses reported for at least five performances.

“Are Ghanaians beginning to follow and accept theatre? I would say, yes, it's getting better.

“When we did 13 runs of ‘The Gods Are Not To Blame’, we nearly had a full house for each of the shows. At least five of the shows, we can confidently say, had full houses.

“One, we had to turn people away; we had to bring extra chairs into the auditorium. And these were weekday shows. And it wasn't a holiday,” he said.

George Quaye pointed out that the high cost of entertainment, especially music concerts in Ghana, has led many to see theatre as an alternative entertainment option.

“Alternative forms of entertainment are getting more and more expensive, and theatre is gradually becoming that escape.

“A music concert will cost you some 500, 700 cedis. If you spend 200 cedis, you can see a theatre show.

"We will not take you to 02:00 a.m. or 03:00 a.m. or 04:00 a.m. as a music concert would.

"We start at 8, latest by 10:00 p.m., we are done. You can go back home, do whatever it is you have to do," he said.

He further listed the value of theatre, noting that it entertains, educates, and inspires the audience, making it a suitable activity for the entire family.

“And it's something that you can attend with the whole family. We don't take too much of your time. And aside from inspiring and entertaining you, we also educate you.

“And we give you a lot of laughter. We give you an opportunity to dance. We give you an opportunity to get advised, educated, informed, inspired, and we help shape up society,” he said.

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