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Here in Ghana, it is general knowledge that every year, Ebo Whyte puts together four new plays; one for each quarter.
These productions are then repeated during the Festival of Plays in December with an additional show from the previous year as top up.
As an Ebo Whyte fan, I always make it a point to be at all his productions.
From ‘Just The Tip’ which came off in March to ‘I Like What You Like’ in July, Roverman has kept stage production lovers entertained through out this year.
However, the latest play by the team will remain my favorite for 2023, no matter what.
I mean, I have watched some plays by Roverman that left me bored, others that confused me and a few that touched my soul, but I must say Ebo Whyte’s skills as a renowned writer and producer was perfectly displayed last Sunday.
Yes, he got it right.
Titled ‘Naked In Bed’, the play was funny, educative and intriguing.
Indeed, situations may not always be as it seems and that was exactly what we took home.
The venue
When the dates for the latest production came out, I wanted to be part of the first set to watch it.
This is because two weekends are always dedicated for the shows and I didn’t want to come across spoilers on social media.
However, my friends could not make it, hence the need to settle for the week after.
So on Sunday, September 10, I stormed the National Theater with my two best friends, Hilda and Anita.
But unlike previous shows where we got great seats, this was a little different.
The hall was packed. The mood was light and merry. Every body had reported right from church or their Sunday brunch/lunch.
Just like us, they knew Ebo Whyte always starts on time and they made sure to report before 4pm.
However, unlike me who finds pleasure in chit-chatting with the Roverman team, they went straight to their seats while I went round saying hello.
It is important to note here that, I don’t just go to the National Theatre every quarter for the plays. I also go because of the bond I have created with the team.
Roverman feels like family, thereby making every quarterly show a family reunion.
Chit-chatting with Ken, Adrian, Emeka and the rest of the squad is the highlight of my day, the drama is just the icing on the cake.
For my friends, it is also about the pictures and the after-production ‘jama’.
Those who attend know what I am talking about.
The Play
When Samson’s fiancée, Vicky catches him receiving a semi-nude massage from her best friend, Mercedes (Played by Aramide Lawal), she is determined to call off their wedding.
In anger, Vicky calls her mother and aunty to come over so she can report him.
This action sets the ball rolling and creates the platform for the various revelations that were made.
Samson (played by Roland Amoah Awuah) is unable to defend his actions…. and his fiancée (played by Roxanne Bougsin Koffi) who lacks patience is unwilling to forgive.
However, Vicky’s mother (played by Ernestina Twumasi ) and aunty (played by Rosemary Arhin) refuse to accept her decision to call off the wedding.
Using their own marriage experiences as lessons, they try to convince Vicky to give her future husband a second chance.
But it takes the intervention of Samson’s father, Jackson (played by Andrew Tandoh Adote) to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding Samson’s alleged infidelity.
The Cast
As usual, the set was beautiful. I loved it. Loved the wall paper and the story it told.
Ebo Whyte’s set designer is a person after my own heart.
It was also easy to see that the 6-member cast was specially selected to fit the role they played.
Apart from Vicky, who I do not mind whether she is changed or not, the rest must not be touched in December.
I will personally petition Ebo Whyte on this.
And after months off stage, Ebo Whyte’s favorite actor, Andrew was back.
I get why he is a favorite…. Andrew is good. His presence commanded power and attention. I couldn’t help admiring him.
But although his role was important, he was not my star performer for the night. That slot went to Aunty CD.
This was my first time seeing Rosemary Arhin on stage and she was fun. I liked her energy and vibe.. I mean, where has she been hiding? For her sake, I will watch the play again in December.
The audience also got to enjoy Ernestina’s wonderful voice. That girl is really talented and she can sing.
This play gets a 10 over 10 rating from me. I will also recommend it to every one. If I want to introduce Ebo Whyte or stage production in Ghana to anyone, this is the one I will select.
I didn’t even mind how religious it was. No one in that auditorium did.
We had fun and took a couple of advises home. That’s all that matters.
So on that note, watch out for the next play in November and make a date with the Festival of Plays.
Tickets are sold for GHS150, which means you can’t use money as an excuse.
P.S: Roverman will be relocating from the National Theatre….but that is an important information for a new day.
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