THE OSAGYEFO THEATRE COMPANY FROM GHANA WILL BE IN RESIDENCE AT BARD COLLEGE, MARCH 17–20

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.—The Ghanaian Osagyefo Theatre Company, in residence at Bard College from March 17–20, will offer two performances. On Friday, March 19, the company will perform "Dances of Life," a series of contemporary and traditional African dances; and on Saturday, March 20, they will present the play Verdict of the Cobra, written by Mohammed Ben Abdallah. Both programs begin at 7:30 p.m. in Olin Hall and are free to the Bard and Vassar communities; an $8 donation is requested from the general public.

The Osagyefo Theatre Company is a music, dance, and theater group, based in Accra, Ghana, that specializes in a variety of African performance forms. Osagyefo combines contemporary African theater, storytelling, musical forms, and traditional African dance into a modern form of theater. Its unique style is based on the Ghanaian concept of Abibigro, which brings music, dance, and drama together to bridge the gaps between the traditional and the modern, the western and the African. The company’s work highlights the historical and social importance of African arts in the contemporary world. Its members, who reside in Accra, London, New York, and Ohio, have performed throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States and have worked extensively with the National Dance Company of Ghana, the Ghana Dance Ensemble, and Abibigromma: the National Theatre Company of Ghana.

While in residence at Bard, the Osagyefo Theatre Company will conduct afternoon workshops on African drumming, xylophone, and dance, as well as two master classes on Saturday at noon, on African theater and dance. (Advance registration for workshops and master classes is necessary; call 845-758-7201 or e-mail shipley@bard.edu.) The residency is sponsored by the dean of the college, Black Students Organization, Office of Student Activities, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Mellon Grant Funds, and the following Bard programs: African and African Diaspora Studies (AADS), Anthropology, Dance, Human Rights, Music, Theater, and Trustee Leader Scholar.

For further information on the workshops, master class, or performances, call Jesse Shipley, director of AADS, at 845-758-7201 or e-mail shipley@bard.edu.

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This event was last updated on 01-29-2007

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