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Not enough drama in Ghana
The Greek drama "Alcestis" is transplanted to West Africa in the well-staged but undramatic "Edufa."
By JOSHUA TANZER
Offoffoff.com
"Edufa" is a tragedy from Ghana based — perhaps not closely enough — on the classical Greek tragedy "Alcestis" by Euripides and transplanted to West Africa.
Like "Alcestis," it is the story of a well-to-do family leader who allows his wife to die in his place and then, too late, comes to regret the decision.
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| EDUFA |
Written by: Efua T. Sutherland.
Directed by: Shela Xoregos.
Based on "Alcestis" by: Euripides.
Cast: Carolyn Ratteray, Owiso Odera, Gwenda Callender, Myorah Bethel Middleton, Rocney Sheley, Tanya Turner, Tiffany Adams, Obelah Oke, Herb Foster Quebec, George Hannah.
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Unlike the play that inspired it, "Edufa" sets up this premise and then seems to coast.
There is a notable lack of drama as Edufa, the husband and father, neither shows his
agony over getting into this fix nor makes any visible attempt to reverse the deal.
(We're told that at some point he has burned the magic charm that's responsible, but
that's the extent of his efforts.) We're just left with professions of admiration for
the brave but doomed wife and sullen asides from two characters who think Edufa has done wrong.
It's a shame that the play, which has a slightly stiff, classical style, doesn't have more to offer, because the Africa Arts Theater Company has done a lot right in staging it. The actors do well with their unfortunately limited material. They are beautifully costumed in lavish African fabrics. The set is also warm and inviting, with a large, glowing sun in the background that moves slightly from scene to scene to show the passage from morning to night and from hope to despair.
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FEBRUARY 22, 2001
OFFOFFOFF.COM • THE GUIDE TO ALTERNATIVE NEW YORK
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Edufa: from Aaron Gyabaah Yeboah, Sep 15, 2004
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