The curtain fell on an unforgettable run of Ola Rotimi's classic, "The Gods Are Not To Blame", at the National Theatre, Accra, on Friday, December 19. 

The play, which was first staged by Image Bureau and April Communications in December 2023, returned to the stage from Wednesday, December 17 to Friday, December 19, in a fitting tribute to the late theatre giant, Mawuli Semevo.

The three-day rerun recorded huge patronage, with audiences flocking to the National Theatre to witness the spellbinding stage production. 

Perhaps, for the majority of patrons who thronged the National Theatre to watch the play, the story was a familiar one from back in the years.

However, not even one’s familiarity with the popular drama, which is an adaptation of Sophocles’ original Greek piece Oedipus Rex by Nigeria’s Ola Rotimi, could prevent one from staying glued to his seat throughout the over two-and-a-half-hour production.

The play, directed by George Quaye, explores the timeless question of whether we are prisoners of fate or architects of our own downfall, through the tragic journey of King Odewale.

With mind-blowing performances, rich cultural textures, and emotionally charged storytelling, the play left audiences breathless. 

Each scene unfolded with intensity, each line heavy with truth, and each silence deliberate. The production, which has already cemented its place in Ghana's theatrical history, was a celebration of excellence, craft, and the enduring power of live theatre. (Read Standing ovation for The Gods Are Not to Blame)

According to George Quaye, the decision to bring the play back was not merely about responding to demand, but about honouring the legacy of Mawuli Semevo, whose indelible contribution to Ghanaian theatre looms large over the production. 

The play's comeback was a big flex on the power of storytelling and how theatre can still hit different in today's society

Some patrons who spoke with Graphic Showbiz expressed delight at the quality of production and acting of the cast. 

Nana Yaa praised Naa Ashorkor, who played the role Queen Ojuola for lifting up her acting game. “My favourite scene was Naa ‘s cry of pain and betrayal, upon learning the truth and the fulfilment of the prophecy of the gods. It was quite an emotional scene,” she said.

Nii Armah told Graphic Showbiz it was the third time he was watching the play by Image Bureau. “I was here in December 2023 when it was first staged, 2024 and here this year. 

“ I fell in love with the production and will always find time to watch it when it stages again,” he said 

 The production was made possible through a collaboration between Image Bureau, April Communications, and the National Theatre, with support from Nii Plants Car Rentals, Ghana Tourism Authority, Graphic Communications Group Ltd, M-Notify, Peace FM, Stanbic Bank, and Bills Micro Credit, and proudly brought to audiences by MTN Ghana.