The Artistic Director and the Management of Professional Theatres in Ghana, Abibigromma As A Case Study

Abstract

This study is an exploration of the directorial and managerial styles as well as the operational challenges of resident theatres in Ghana, with a focus on Abibigromma, the resident theatre company of the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon, as case study for the research. The goal of the study is to provide an alternative to the dual functions of the Artistic Director; being both artistic and managerial. The study exposes structural and organisational deficits in Abibigromma’s operations as a non-profit professional theatre and provides alternative measures to ameliorate them. Using the qualitative approach, both structured and unstructured interviews were conducted, involving one hundred and sixty three (163) respondents, current and past stakeholders in the Ghanaian theatrical context. There was also a Focus Group Discussion among members of Abibigromma, and the researcher was a Participant- Observer, having directed two plays in Abibigromma. Findings indicate that the overriding objectives of research, performance and experimentation of Ghanaian and African Art forms are still relevant. However, these objectives are not fully pursued due to directorial and managerial shortcomings. A structural review and an organisational reconstruction of the entire operations of Abibigromma by the School of Performing Arts in particular, and the University in general, are recommended.