VARIOUS SHOTS OF PLAY STAGED BY CULTURAL DRAMA GROUP; VARIOUS SHOTS OF FASHION SHOW.




Initials JSU/VS/AE/PF



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Background: GHANA'S SEVENTH ANNUAL ARTS FESTIVAL, HELD RECENTLY IN KUMASI, COULD PROUDLY BOAST THAT IT CATERED FOR ALL TASTES - EVENTS COVERED EVERYTHING FROM THE LIVE THEATRE TO A FASHION SHOW.

IN THE CASE OF THE THEATRE PLAYS DREW HEAVILY FOR INSPIRATION ON THE COUNTRY'S HISTORICAL PAST. ONE EXAMPLE WAS "SEANTIE", STAGED BY THE CULTURAL DRAMA GROUP AND DESIGNED TO GIVE AN INSIGHT TO GHANAIAN COURT LIFE.

IT TELLS ABOUT THE LIFE AND THE DEATH OF TWO BROTHERS, ONE OF WHOM SUPPORTS HIS KING WHILE THE OTHER DOES NOT.

ALTHOUGH ON A LESS SERIOUS VEIN THE FASHION SHOW ALSO REFERRED BACK TO GHANA'S PAST. SAID MRS. ADELEINE AKUFFO ADDO, WIFE OF THE COUNTRY'S CHIEF JUSTICE: "IN SEEKING A NATIONAL IDENTITY, EACH AFRICAN STATE ON GAINING ITS INDEPENDENCE HAS HAD TO TURN TO ITS TRADITIONAL FASHIONS AS A SYMBOL OF ITS PEOPLE, DIGNITY AND CHARACTER."
BUT THE EUROPEAN INFLUENCE WAS THERE - LARGELY CONFINED TO WEDDING DRESSES.

ON THE COMPLETION OF THE PARADE MRS. AKUFFO ADDO JOINED A GROUP OF DANGERS FOR THE TRADITIONAL ADOWA DANCE.