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A stage-play highlighting Ghana's rich cultural and political history

The stage-play 'Wogbejeke, Our Journey' relives the story of Ghana's cultural and political history from the ancient days to present.

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In a week which started with an euphoric shift towards the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) - with the grand finale being staged at the auditorium of the National Theatre - it was only befitting that the holidays ended with the same level of excitement at the same venue.

The lead up to the play had been dominated by the war of words between the man behind 'Wogbejeke, Our Journey', Chief Moomen and the Chairman of the Ghana@60 committee, Ken Amankwah following some misunderstandings between the aforementioned pair.

Chief Moomen had earlier alleged that he had not been fully paid by government after he featured on the programme line-up for Ghana's 60th anniversary celebrations, leading to several controversies.

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There were also fears of the whole stage-play being cancelled as a result of financial constraints - a fear which was only allayed with just two days to the big event.

However, once the show itself commenced on Monday, all that was put to bed, with the excitement from the cast the only thing that will be remembered by the majority of audience present.

'Wogbejeke, Our Journey' is a stage-play that tells the story of Ghana's rich cultural and political history.

As part of the Heritage Theatre Series, the play is the complete package of all the other episodes shown in the last two years.

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The storyline reflects on the formation of Ghana's major ethnic groups, as well as the pre and post independence era.

With a very big cast, consisting of choristers, drummers, choreographers, poets and spoken word artistes, 'Wogbejeke, Our Journey' simply covers every area of drama.

The play talks about the migration and eventual settlement of the various ethnic groups in Ghana, while also exploring the individual histories of the Guans, Akans, Ga-Adangbes, Ewes and the Mole-Dagbanis.

Audience are treated to a fun-filled, rib-cracking, amid intriguing, display as they are made to relive the stories of how these ethnic groups became part of Ghana. It captures legends and myths of how the Akan ethnic group spread into many other sects, as well as how the Fantes engineered a breakaway.

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Okomfo Anokye, the golden stool of the Ashantis, the numerous wars with the British and the fight to seize power from the Denkyiras are all highlighted in the stage-play 'Wogbejeke, Our Journey'.

Then there is the scene which also sheds light of the plight of the Ga-Adangbes in their quest to escape famine and surbodination, through to their triumph which led to the birth of the Homowo festival.

The Ewes, Guans and Mole-Dagbanis are not left out either, as the stories behind their migration into Ghana are all given notable cameos.

'Wogbejeke, Our Journey' also takes a look at the pre and post political history of Ghana, with specific details on the individuals who played major roles towards the attainment of independence.

From the arrival of the Europeans, to the struggle for independence, through to the fourth republic: each story is told in a way that takes the minds of the audience back to the colonial days.

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Not forgetting the slave trade and the indelible mark it left on Ghana. The stage-play is simply a true reflection of Ghana's cultural and political history. It highlights the struggle by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. J.B Danquah and the other big six members as Ghana moved towards freedom from oppression and colonialisation.

And with the various scenes intercepted by poetry, music and rich cultural displays, the stage-play would certainly rank among the very best in the year under review.

The only blemish was the fact that the show started almost 20 minutes later than scheduled. However, every other thing was inch-perfect. The costumes of the cast were on point and it was evenly coordinated with the type of music chosen for each scene.

Those who could not turn up to watch 'Wogbejeke, Our Journey', have surely missed a lot. But you wouldn't have to wait for too long, though, to have another chance.

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Chief Moomen confirmed that the next play of the Heritage Theatre Series will be staged on August 2. And on the basis of how audience present at the National Theater were thrilled, another full house should be anticipated when next month's show comes up.

But for 'Wogbejeke, Our Journey', there was no disappointment at all, and I must admit that it was worth all the hype.

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