Die Kritik der super-erfolgreichen Tournee der Produktion “Das liegt im Blut!?” in Ghana

By John Owoo
A ONE-WOMAN theatre performance characterised by a satire within a satire captivated an enthusiastic audience at the Goethe-Institut in Accra recently.
Titled, ‘It’s in the Blood’ and performed by Germany-based Ghanaian actress, Gfty Wiafe, the piece took the audience on a journey of issues facing contemporary Germany and Ghana, as well as other parts of the world.
Using the boundless power of words and jargons, courtesy of a wonderful script by Petra Kindler, Wiafe’s prowess at storytelling was evident as she narrated humorous anecdotes on diverse issues ranging from religion, imported food, visa problems, migration, gender issues, snow, traffic offences, e-waste, culture shock, traditions and spirituality.
“It’s a remarkably clever piece of comedy that reminds us of past experiences and current issues. While commenting on a variety of issues, the performance also managed o leave us with ourown thoughts and imaginations“, said Yaw Annoh, a theatre director in Accra.
With soties sincerely delivered and devoid of any form of embellishment, the piece was replete with personal tales alongside a chain of events that touched the lives and experiences of most of the members of the audience.
The play was thought-provoking without being preachy and exposed uncomfortable truths about the world – a feat the director achieves in an hour and-a-half.
Exiting from an extra-large ‘Ghana Must Go’ bag at the beginning, Wiafe exhibited impressive skill as she played calabash and talking drums and also sang local folk songs while showcasing her prowess with traditional Ghanaian dances – a scenario that regularly interspersed her narrative.
With a simple backdrop comprising printed photos of fabrics and paintings on wood panels by Henry Nyadiah, the young actress infused the show with a string of superb jokes and comic routines of her own which attracted constant cheers fro the mixed audience.
‘It’s in the Blood’ was directed by Barbara Kemmler and choreographed by Frank Sam with Henry Nyadiah as lighting / sound engineer. It was presented and supported by Cactus Junges Theatre (Germany), Goethe-Institut Ghana and Sisimbom Theatre Group in Accra.