The Department of Dance Studies at the School of Performing Arts, in partnership with Memorial University and the University of Alberta in Canada, has organised a one-day International Symposium themed, "Examining the Role and Transmission of Performing Arts in Rural Ghana."
Presentations at the symposium will be published in an anthology that would serve as a testament to Ghana’s storytelling prowess.
The symposium was held with funding support from Connections Grant from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), and forms part of activities to mark the 2023 Day of Scientific Renaissance of Africa (DSRA) at the Collegeof Humanities.
Officially opening the symposium, Prof. Awo Mana Asiedu, Dean, School of Performing Arts, praised the Planning Committee for their exceptional organisation.
Prof. Awo Mana Asiedu, Dean, School of Performing Arts
She emphasised the enduring nature of traditional Performing Arts on the African Continent and its influence on contemporary artistic practices. Prof. Asiedu stressed the importance of nurturing growth in indigenous languages and encouraged artists to draw inspiration from their roots to create works that are relevant to contemporary society.
She acknowledged the contributions of international colleagues despite the distortions in the stories told and encouraged graduate students to attend as many sessions as possible.
In an address, Prof. Samuel Ntewusu, Director, Institute of African Studies, noted that the Institute of African Studies and the School of Performing Arts were both created to promote and project Performing Arts through teaching, research, publication, advocacy, and practical demonstration.
Prof. Samuel Ntewusu, Director, Institute of African Studies
Chairman of the Symposium Committee, and Anthropo-Choreologist, Dr. Sylvanus Kwashie Kuwor, stressed that the performing arts play a crucial role as a repository of knowledge, acting as a storehouse, library, and archive of indigenous wisdom.
On his part, Dr. T. B. Ofosu, Lecturer at the Department of Dance Studies, expressed excitement that the symposium, being held for the first time, would culminate in the creation of an extraordinary publication.
A cross-section of participants at the symposium
Presentations on the multiple dimensions of the roles on Performing Arts within the Ghanaian Rural communities were made by panelists from different backgrounds. Some of the topics included, ‘The Drum We Form is not a Joke'; ‘Atsiagbekor in Dzogadze - A Case Study of Tradition in Transition’; ‘The Intention and Positive Effects of Opinionated Delivery in Performance of Music in Ghana’; ‘Adukonu-Domelevo: A Comparative Analysis of Ewe Music as an Embodiment of Philosophy, Knowledge, and Values’; among others.
The Volta Region's Dzogadze dance group and Level 300 African Contemporary Dance students from the School of Performing Arts graced the event with cultural performances.
Guests being entertained with a cultural performance
Also present at the symposium as facilitators and Chairpersons for the various topics were, Professor Austin Emielu, Department of Music; Professor Titilayo Okoro, Chair of Africana Studies, Binghamton University; Dr. Sarah F. Dorgbadzi, Senior Lecturer and Head, Department of Theatre Arts; Dr. Jennies Deide Darko, Lecturer and Head of the Department of Dance Studies; Dr. Alfred Patrick Addaquay, Ghanaian Classical/Art Keyboardist, Composer, Arranger, Conductor, Choral Director and Singer; Dr. Beatrice Tawiah Ayi, Lecturer, Department of Dance Studies; Dr. N. A. Hargoe, Lecturer, Department of Dance Studies and Artistic Director, Ghana Dance Ensemble; Dr. Kofi Anthonio, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Dance Studies; Mr. David E. A. Quaye; Assistant Lecturer, Department of Dance Studies; Dr. Solomon Y. Dartey, Artistic Director, Theatre & TOK Educator at Association International School; Samuel Elikem Kwame Nyamuame, Artistic Director at Nukporfe African Druming and Dance Ensemble.
Staff and students of the School of Performing Arts also attended the event.
