Drama Troupe Give Meaning To African Mythology

Accra, (Greater Accra) 22 Oct.,

Discussions at the ongoing Conference on Mythology were given an artistic touch in Accra last night when three locally-based dance groups staged stories related to myths about creation and traditional rites of passage. The two-hour performance, under the theme "Of Gods, Heroes and Myths - The African Perspective", was done by the National Dance Company in "The Legend of Okoryoo", the Nandom Bewaa Group in "Bagr Bine" and the Dance Factory in rites of passage. The Dance Company set the ball rolling with "The Legend of Okoryoo", which is about a messenger sent by the Creator, Oleetei, on a mission of peace, love and development but she fails and her resources are depleted by earthlings who later sent her to the gallows. They exhibited colourful costume which matched the lights, easy movements accurately marked by throbbing drums and other sounds which created an eerie feeling towards the end. Next came the Nandom Bewaa Group whose "Bagr Bine" is about praise to ancestors and heroes after initiation rites into the Bagr Secret Society of the Northern Region. "Bagr Bine", characterised by the vibrating stomping of the dancers combined with a good play of xylophones sent the audience cheering. They marked their entrance on a solemn note with a song composed and sang by Mary Emelia, a blind elderly member, whose strong voice echoed across the hall. The Dance Company, whose performance was on the rites of passage, blended traditional and modern dance to the admiration of the audience. The Germany-based music ensemble, Sequentia, has already performed "Edda One", a drama of mythical songs and stories from Iceland about creation.