Scenic Design In Ghana: Philosophies And Styles Of Some Designers

Abstract

Existing written works in the field of technical theatre have not advanced much as compared to that of dramatic literature in Ghana. A number of researches and publications have been made on Ghanaian theatre and literature, which basically dwell more on the history and development of the Ghanaian Concert Party traditions, the Ghanaian theatre forms, Ghanaian playwrights and various acting troupes or players. However, it appears very little has been said on the technical aspects; the scenic designers, their designs and constructions, which are equally essential in stage productions. The creation of abstract, natural, or realistic scenic designs for stage productions by Ghanaian scenic designers, have contributed immensely to theatre practice in Ghana. This research therefore seeks to examine four Ghanaian scenic designers. It makes use of the historical research approach from qualitative research methodology based on an in-depth interview with the designers in focus, to trace the trends of scenic design in Ghana. With emphasis on historical and philosophical contexts, each designer is examined on areas such as significance of work, motivation of work, key ideas, inspiration, and impact of works on other designers. This paper is in two major parts; firstly, it documents the lives of these Ghanaian scenic designers; John Djisenu, David Amoo, Edu Johnson and Prince Kojo-Hilton in the growth and development of scenic design in Ghana. The second part then focuses on analysis and interpretation; purpose, aesthetic and thematic concerns of their works vis-à-vis their philosophies, styles and innovations. It was revealed that their designs were influenced by both indigenous and foreign experiences and encounter with some art movements.