Synopsis of the play
Prison Graduate is a four-act drama set in Ghana, written by Efo Kojo Mawugbe. The play uses political satire to tackle serious issues in a humorous way. shedding light on problems faced by Ghana and Africa as a whole. The play highlights issues such as the large sums of money people pay to travel abroad in search of better opportunities, the cash and carry system in hospitals where patients must pay for treatment upfront., and the bribery and corruption in both the church and government. Through humor, the playwright encourages the audience to acknowledge their contribution to these problems and take responsibility for finding solutions. By using satire, the play aims to entertain while sparking critical thinking and reflection on the issues affecting Ghana and Africa. The play employs dramatic devices such as irony to highlight the contradictions and hypocrisies in society, such as the cash-carry system in hospitals, and symbolism to represent abstract ideas or concepts, like the prison in the title, which may symbolize society’s limitations, parody, and allusion, among others. The play has a non-linear structure and employs unconventional and narrative techniques such as flashbacks and fragmented scenes to convey the story.
The play was produced by Fiifi Coleman Production .This review will critique the quality of actors performance, including their delivery, expression, and portrayal of characters, the effectiveness of the set design and props, the use of light and sound, the impact of custom and design, and provide a score out of 10, summarizing my overall impression of the performance.
I was thoroughly impressed by the outstanding performances of the female cast members, who took on roles originally written for male. Apart from Chaplain, the four main characters namely Basabasa, Abutu, Chaka,chaka and Gomindo carried their respective roles well and navigated their dense dialogue, delivery with precision. Despite the lengthy script being written for male characters, they adeptly made minor changes to the original text and brought it to Life.
A surgery was done with incorporating clever improvisation, mimicking the styles of popular Ghanaian pastors, which added a layer of local flavor and humor to the play. I was thoroughly impressed by the actors remarkable endurance and sustained energy levels throughout the performance. especially being on stage for extended periods, they maintained their intensity and focus, never once faltering or losing momentum. Their ability to hold attention and keep energy high until the very end is a testament to their skills, dedication, and physical stamina. All the cast members of this production rose to nail it. Great chemistry and delivering a truly captivating performance.
Set
“The set design was a true masterpiece, and I must commend Prince Hilton, the set designer, for his exceptional work. He demonstrated a profound understanding of the play’s themes and tone, crafting a set that perfectly complemented the narrative. The attention to detail and aesthetic choices were impeccable, creating an immersive environment that drew the audience in. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Prince Kojo-Hilton was the creative force behind the set, as he truly exceeded expectations. He blended Naturalism with Realism and greater a realistic Prison set. The prison walls and the metal coils were super amazing. Believability at its peak. His work was seamless, and he deserves accolades for his contribution to the play’s overall success. The set was not only beautiful but also functional, providing an ideal backdrop for the actors to bring the story to life.
Costumes
The costume and makeup departments deserve high praise for their outstanding work in bringing the characters to life. The attention to detail was impressive, with each costume and makeup design perfectly capturing the essence of the characters. Gomizo’s tattoo and scarf, in particular, were a great touch, instantly conveying her character’s personality and role without needing a single line of dialogue. The other characters’ outfits were equally well-designed, with the Persian’s and Chaplain’s costumes standing out for their accuracy and authenticity. The makeup and costume choices not only enhanced the actors’ performances but also added depth and nuance to the storytelling, making the characters feel fully realized and believable.
Light and sound
The lighting and sound departments demonstrated restraint and a clear understanding of the play’s needs, resisting the temptation to over-embellish with unnecessary effects. Instead, they opted for a subtle and understated approach, allowing the actors and the story to take center stage. The siren sound really enhanced the prison mood. The simplicity of the lighting and sound design was, in fact, a strength, as it didn’t distract from the performances or the narrative. Any additional flourishes would have been superfluous, and the team’s decision to keep things straightforward was a wise one. By not trying to do too much, they allowed the play’s natural power to shine through, creating a clean and uncluttered theatrical experience.”
“In conclusion, I would like to extend my sincerest applause to Fiifi Production for a job well done. Despite a disappointing turnout, the small but engaged audience was a testament to the play’s ability to captivate and resonate with viewers. I, too, was thoroughly engrossed in the performance, and it’s a credit to the cast and crew that they could hold our attention so effortlessly. While there’s always room for improvement, I believe Fiifi Production came incredibly close to perfection. I would give this production a well-deserved 9 out of 10, and I look forward to seeing what they have in store for us in the future.”
Written by Miriam Afoley Laryea, BA Theatre Arts,UEW.
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