Ghanaian playwright Latif Abubakar, founder and Chief Executive Director of Globe Productions, is set to bring Ghana’s theatre to the international stage with an adaptation of the Spanish novel *Five Hours with Mario* by Miguel Delibes. This highly anticipated event will take place on September 11, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. at the Central Cultural Casa de Vacas in Madrid, Spain.
Abubakar, who founded Globe Productions in 2009, has significantly contributed to Ghana’s theatre industry, working with notable actors such as Ekow Smith-Asante, Adjetey Anang, Clemento Suarez, Ofori Bismarck, Pearl Darkey, Paul Quarcoo, and Alexandra Bailey. His latest project is in partnership with the Spanish Embassy in Accra, aiming to deepen cultural ties between Spain and Ghana beyond traditional trade by focusing on arts and culture.
At the launch of the play at the Spanish Embassy, Abubakar emphasized the significance of this collaboration. He attributed the partnership to his relationship with Spanish Ambassador Javier Gutterez, who shares his vision of promoting a stronger Spain-Ghana cultural exchange. “As pioneers of virtual live plays during the COVID-19 pandemic, which garnered a record 3.5 million live views, and as creators of Ghana’s first open-air theatre, our dream of showcasing Ghana’s theatre industry on the world stage is becoming a reality with this play,” Abubakar stated.
Deputy Head of Mission Diego Spottorno, representing the Spanish Embassy, expressed their excitement for the partnership. He noted that the timing of this adaptation is ideal given the challenges the world faces today and predicted that the production would mark the beginning of a great collaboration between the Ghanaian and Spanish theatre industries.
*Five Hours with Mario*, written by renowned Spanish novelist Miguel Delibes, is one of Spain’s most beloved works. The novel explores themes such as rural authenticity versus urban life and death as the ultimate milestone in human life. Its success led to its adaptation for both theatre and cinema. Abubakar’s adaptation, which incorporates Afrocentric elements, will be the first of its kind, and it is expected to resonate not only in Ghana and Spain but globally.
The play tells the story of Dzidzor, who, after the death of her husband Mario, watches over his body and reflects on their relationship, their conflicts, and the contrasting personalities they exhibited during their marriage. The adaptation brings a fresh, culturally rich perspective to the stage, offering audiences a unique theatrical experience.
This event marks a significant milestone in the continued cultural collaboration between Ghana and Spain, with the potential to strengthen ties between the two countries’ theatre industries.
