The three-day music, drama and dance performance forms part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the National Theatre which was launched in December last year and it is intended to highlight diversity in culture.

The third in series of such plays, Agoro is a collaboration between the National Theatre, Azaguno Incorporated and Ohio University. The previous two are Aza (2016) and Diema (2015).

The production has been put together by Professor Pascal Yao Younge, a composer and Dr Zelma Badu-Younge from Ohio University in US and it is ably supported by Nii Tettey Yartey, Director of National Dance Company, Mawuli Semevo, Director of National Drama Company and Isaac Annor, the Director of National Symphony Orchestra.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, the Executive Director of the National Theatre, Amy Appiah, said the latest production is distinct because of the adoption of different cultures and traditions to tell a story.

She was particularly glad that the production will among many others highlight the diversity in Ghana’s culture and that of other countries.

According to Nii Tetteh Yartey, what makes Agoro different from earlier productions is the addition of a “new African Orchestra music”. He added that patrons will have a different experience from what they are used to.

The co-Artistic Director of the African Ensemble at Ohio University, Professor Pascal Yao Younge together with his wife, Dr Zelma Badu-Younge have been instrumental in putting together Agoro.

He told the Daily Graphic his love for culture and the need to project Ghana’s culture have been a motivation to collaborate with the National Theatre to host such productions since 2001.

As a lover of arts, culture and tradition, Professor Younge and wife formed Azaguno, a multi-ethnic ensemble that focuses on research, preservation and performance of African, African-American, Caribbean and Latin American Music and Dance Styles.

The performances are being undertaken by three resident theatre groups of the National Theatre namely the National Symphony Orchestra, the National Drama Company and the National Dance Company.

There will be guest performances from Fire Service band and International artistes from the US and Canada as special guests. Guests had the opportunity to see a sketch of Agoro at the launch.

Agoro is part of three major productions planned for the silver jubilee celebrations of the National Theatre. The first was Marriage of Anansewa presented in Nigeria in March and a Symphony collaboration with an internationally acclaimed Baritone from Czech Republic in November.

Prior to the main event on Thursday, there will be a three-day symposia and workshop themed, “Arts, Health and Wellness” starting from Monday, June 25.