Synopsis
“I Want to Feed You” is a captivating drama set in a Ga community. The four-act play tells the story of A.C.P Boateng, a top police officer tragically killed for arresting high-ranking officials involved in illegal mining and other crimes. Through the narratives of his wife, son, and friend, the play exposes the corruption and bribery that led to his demise.
The play expertly balances comedy with thought-provoking themes, including single parenting, bribery, corruption, forgiveness, togetherness, and love. The simple dialogue facilitates easy comprehension, making the performance accessible to a wide audience.
This review compares the events of the 4th show (Friday, 13th September ) to the 1st show (Friday, 6th September) evaluating Acting ,Set and Props ,Makeup and Costume Lighting and Sound and overall rate the performance over 10.
Comedy can be challenging, but the talented cast of “I Want to Feed You” pulled it off with flair. Roverman Production House has assembled an exceptional team, and this production’s actors shone in their roles.
Ma’am Bee and Nhyira stole the show with their captivating portrayals of a loving mother and son. Ma’am Bee’s nuanced performance conveyed the depth of motherly love, even in silent moments. Her restraint and timing made her a delight to watch. Nhyira’s talent was well exhibited in his clever quotation of his father’s words, showcasing his impressive range. Serwaa also delivered a polished performance, avoiding over-exaggeration and bringing authenticity to her character. Her voice was an added treat.
The chemistry between Alaska and Rapture was superb, making their characters’ relationship intriguing. Their stage presence was electric, perfectly capturing the essence of community troublemakers. Oboshi and Peace formed another impressive duo, complementing each other beautifully. Oboshi’s voice was magically soothing, while Peace’s expressive wide-eyed delivery added comedic flair. Again , Ajorkor’s character added a vital layer to the story, embodying the quintessential Ga spirit. Ajorkor’s character added a vital layer to the story, embodying the Ga spirit. Mikey, Gabby, and John brought comedic gold to the stage. Mikey’s accent and pronunciation perfectly suited his role, while Gabby’s versatility shone in his dual portrayal. Mikey and John’s fighting scene won my heart . It was beautiful to watch and I saw how the audience reacted to it . I’m glad they loved it as much as I did
Extras
The extras in this production for both nights were absolutely incredible to watch. I particularly appreciated the clever use of double casting, where the same actors played multiple roles as extras. Their presence was lovely and added a beautiful dynamic to the performance. They maintained a consistent energy level throughout the play, and their dual roles were seamlessly executed.
I couldn’t imagine the performance without their contributions, and I loved how their presence enhanced the scenes without ever distracting the main action. Their versatility and talent added depth and richness to the production, making them an invaluable part of the overall experience.
Set
The set is a masterclass in storytelling, equally as important as the script. It’s not just about aesthetics; the set alone conveys the play’s setting and narrative. Before the actors even appear,the set transports us to the world of the play. The attention to detail is impressive, with posters and paintings on the walls that add depth and context. The recreated road and bridge are strokes of genius, showcasing the creative team’s ingenuity. What’s more, the actors seamlessly integrate props into their performances from the outset. Every item is purposeful, with no unnecessary elements to distract from the story. This thoughtful approach to set design and prop usage enriches the overall experience, drawing the audience deeper into the world of the play.
Costume
The costume designer and makeup artist for “I Want to Feed You” demonstrated exceptional restraint and understanding, avoiding over-exaggeration while perfectly capturing the essence of each character. I was particularly impressed by the subtle details, such as the anklet on Peace’s leg and Ma’am Bee’s simple yet fitting attire. Despite being part of the same community, the two actors’ costumes and makeup cleverly distinguished their unique roles and personalities. The harmony between costume and makeup added depth to the characters’ portrayals, showcasing the designers’ skill in enhancing the actors’ performances without overpowering them.
Lighting and Sound
Compared to the first night, the sound levels were more balanced and nuanced, avoiding overpowering loudness. This adjustment allowed the audience to focus on the performances without distraction. Regarding lighting, as compared to the first night, when the illumination seemed consistent throughout the play, despite scene changes and time of day, I appreciated the subtle variations in lighting for the 4th night , which added depth and context to each scene. Additionally, the extras who played the market women demonstrated restraint and improvement. Unlike the first night, they avoided overacting, ensuring their utterances were necessary and balanced, blending seamlessly into the background.
The technical team for both nights of the paid attention to detail and willingness to make adjustments, coupled with the extras’ enhanced performances, elevated the overall production. The harmonious blend of lighting, sound, and acting created a captivating and immersive experience.
Music and Dance
The incorporation of music and dance into the play was a brilliant move, showcasing the richness of Ga culture. Every scene was perfectly complemented by the choice of songs and dance, creating an infectious energy that had the audience dancing in their seats and laughing along asdie that,it added a delightful layer of authenticity, transporting us into the heart of the Ga community. The timing and selection of songs and choreography were impeccable, elevating the overall experience and leaving a lasting impression.
You can click here to read the performance of Friday, 6th September
The audience on the 4th night was truly exceptional, surpassing even the enthusiasm of the first night. Their engagement was palpable, with one audience member expressing a desire to live in the world portrayed on stage. The crowd’s applause and laughter filled the auditorium, creating a contagious atmosphere of joy. As the saying goes, “laughter is the best medicine,” and the audience’s infectious smiles and giggles were a testament to the play’s ability to uplift and entertain. The auditorium was packed to capacity before 7 pm, a clear indication of the production’s popularity and the audience’s eagerness to be a part of it.
For 16 incredible years, Roverman Productions has consistently entertained and educated the Ghanaian community, leaving an indelible mark on our collective psyche. Uncle Ebo Whyte and his team have selflessly dedicated themselves to putting smiles on our faces, and their hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed.I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to Uncle Ebo Whyte and the entire Roverman Productions team for their outstanding contributions to Ghanaian theatre. Your tireless efforts have not only showcased your creative genius but also highlighted the power of storytelling in shaping our culture.i rate this play 9/10
Written by Miriam Afoley Laryea, BA Theatre Arts,UEW.
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