GIS holds memorable 10th anniversary musical concert (Photos)

Students of the Ghana International School for the 10th year running again produced a thought-provoking concert and musical performance which was dubbed the Prince of Egypt to the admiration, of many Ghanaians in attendance at the National Theatre including the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo the Special Guest of Honour.

Since 2008 the Ghana International School has produced spectacular stage performances of well-known Musicals Concerts at the National Theatre. The school has staged adaptations of ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Aida’, ‘In the Heights’ and Sarafina just to name a few.

The Musical Concert is acted out by the Students of the Music and Literature Department who put up sterling performances annually to recognise and showcase students’ non-academic gifts and talents. This year was no different; over 100 students from both the Primary and Secondary school participated in the musical.

The talented Cast performed the School’s 10th Musical Adaptation titled “The Prince of Egypt”. It was a classical display of talent and sheer brilliance.

The story was scripted by the Principal of GIS, Dr Mary Ashun and put together by Mr Asabil, Mr Dzakamani, Mrs Vanderpuye and Miss Larbi, all teaching staff from the Secondary Section of the Ghana International School.

The story ‘The Prince of Egypt’ is a classic tale of two brothers named Moses and Ramses. Growing up the best of friends, they share a strong bond of free-spirited youth and good-natured rivalry. But the truth will ultimately set them at odds, as one becomes the ruler of the most powerful empire on earth, and the other the chosen leader of his people. Their final confrontation will forever change their lives and the world.

The musical which was the 10th in the series was accompanied by the Jasper Band whose music brought the elated audience to its feet throughout the night. The sterling production was entertaining and enthralling.

In a post-performance interview, Justin Adomakoh, who played Ramesees on the first night, attributed his brilliance to several weeks of hard work, dedication and teamwork from his mates, the entire teaching staff and crew.

The highlight of the first night was the speech read by the Special Guest of honour, the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who was present at the event.

The President promised to promote local authorship as one of government's many measures to boost the creative industry. “What defines a country are its arts, culture, customs and tradition [and] without acknowledging them we stand unable to face the rest of the world,” the President noted. "We intend to support the book industry and promote local authorship."

Some of Ghana's finest composers, painters, filmmakers, writers, musicians, sculptures, actors and actresses are living a life of hardship and poverty. They blame it on the non-patronage of their products by Ghanaians as well as the unauthorised use of their works for their predicaments. Some of them die without having a house to their names, a development that has demotivated young artists.

But the President who has described himself as a lover of creative arts said the artists are undeserving of a pitiful life considering their immense contribution to the country. "In other parts of the world, creative artists are not just able to make a comfortable living on their works, but they are among the highest earners," he drew a comparison.

He believes Ghana's creative artists deserve the same treatment. "It is time we create the enabling atmosphere for our artists to enjoy the fruit of their creative enterprise."

President Akufo-Addo it is to this end that his government is putting in place measures to promote the literary arts by "encouraging our writers and publishers to produce books that portray our rich culture." He entreated Ghanaians to desist from piracy activities that are robbing the creative artists of benefits due them.