tema theatre factory - The Marriage of Anansewa

Synopsis

Struck by a crippling economic downturn and personal crisis, George K. Ananse finds himself desperate to secure a prosperous future for his beloved daughter, Anansewa. Drawing upon his deep understanding of local customs and traditions, Ananse hatches a daring scheme: to exploit loopholes within traditional marriage practices for maximum personal gain, all while staying within the bounds of the law.

Armed with nothing but photographs of his daughter, Ananse embarks on a cunning campaign of "photograph marriages" with four wealthy and influential chiefs. Each chief, eager to win Anansewa's hand, vies for Ananse's favour, showering him with gifts and promises. Unbeknownst to them, they are all pawns in Ananse's intricate game.

For a time, Ananse's plan works flawlessly, lifting him from the depths of poverty. However, his carefully constructed web begins to unravel when all four chiefs, independently and almost simultaneously, decide to perform the crucial "tirinsa" ceremony—the traditional rite that legally seals a marriage.

Now caught in his own trap, Ananse faces an impossible dilemma. How can he choose just one suitor without incurring the wrath of the others? How can he explain his deception without facing the consequences? With his back against the wall, Ananse must rely on his keen understanding of "human nature" to navigate this treacherous situation and extricate himself from the tangled mess he has created. This is a high-stakes gamble where the line between cunning and catastrophe is razor-thin.

About the Play

Efua T. Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansewa, published in the early 1970s, masterfully elevates Ghana’s rich storytelling tradition into a vibrant, enduring art form. Drawing inspiration from the exploits of the infamous folk hero Kweku Ananse, Sutherland’s play remains remarkably relevant even today.

Rooted in authentic Ghanaian storytelling practices, The Marriage of Anansewa incorporates key elements such as a compelling narrator, evocative mboguo (interjections), and active audience participation. Traditionally, these stories are narrated by experienced elders, whose powerful oratory skills and deep understanding of custom captivate audiences, weaving together wit, intrigue, and moral lessons. Their linguistic dexterity and cultural knowledge are central to conveying the story’s core message.

The mboguo, integral to this tradition, empowers audience members as active participants, allowing them to interject with music and commentary that often enriches the story’s thematic exploration. This participatory aspect highlights the communal nature of Ghanaian storytelling.

Recognizing the inherent fluidity of oral tradition, where each retelling by different narrators contributes to a story’s evolution and variation, Sutherland formalized a performance style she termed “Anansegro”—the performance of Anansesem (Ananse stories). This concept gained national prominence through popular television programs like "By the Fire Side," which showcased the captivating storytelling prowess of figures like Grace Omaboe (Maame Dokono), further solidifying the cultural significance of this art form.

The Marriage of Anansewa stands as a testament to Sutherland’s profound contribution to Ghanaian literature and theatre. This beautifully crafted play, a vibrant variation within the Ananse tradition, has not only endured the passage of time but continues to inspire and entertain, serving as a living tribute to her enduring legacy.

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