Staging Limitations in Ghanaian Theatre Spaces: An Exploratory Study
Sr No:
Page No:
48-57
Language:
English
Authors:
Sika Koomson* , Johnson Kwaku Edu
Received:
2025-04-01
Accepted:
2025-04-24
Published Date:
2025-04-24
Abstract:
This study investigates the staging limitations faced in multiple-set design practices
within Ghanaian performance spaces. It adopts a comprehensive approach, incorporating
personal interviews, direct observations, and critical assessments of selected performance spaces
for theatre productions in Ghana. Key performance spaces for Theatre productions profiled are
the National Theatre of Ghana, the School of Creative Arts Auditorium at the University of
Education, Winneba, the Efua Sutherland Drama Studio at the University of Ghana, the Main
Auditorium of the University of Cape Coast, and the Centre for National Culture in Cape Coast.
Through this multi-pronged methodology, the study identifies several critical challenges:
architectural inadequacies, obsolete and non-functional equipment, poor maintenance practices,
and a lack of expertise and funding. These findings highlight the urgent need for infrastructural
upgrade and strategic planning to enhance the functionality and versatility of performance spaces in Ghana, thereby supporting the growth and development of contemporary theatre practice.
Keywords:
Ghanaian Theatre, Performance spaces, Staging limitations, Multiple-set Design.