A Cultural Bridge Between Ghana and Korea
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ghana has joined forces with playwright Latif Abubakar’s Globe Productions Limited to organize a cross-country theatre festival in Ghana. This collaboration is part of the broader activities surrounding the Korean Cultural Festival, which aims to foster deeper cultural connections between the two nations.
The partnership was officially launched with the debut of a groundbreaking theatrical production titled Sim Majorley. This performance seeks to strengthen Ghana-Korea relations by presenting a story rooted in Korean culture but reimagined through a Ghanaian perspective.
Promoting Cultural Exchange
At the launch event held in Accra, Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Park Kyongsig, emphasized that the festival, set for August 2 in Tema and August 9 at the Accra International Conference Centre, is designed to promote cultural exchange and bring Korean culture closer to Ghanaian audiences. He highlighted that the festival’s main attraction is a theatrical performance based on the famous Korean classical novel Simcheongjeon, or The Story of Sim Cheong, adapted through a Ghanaian lens and performed by local actors.
“This initiative represents a meaningful cultural collaboration,” said the ambassador. “It reflects Korea’s growing commitment to strengthening ties with Ghana through the arts. By working with Globe Productions, one of Ghana’s most respected theatre companies, we are writing a new chapter in Ghana-Korea cultural diplomacy.”
A Tale of Sacrifice and Heritage
The play Sim Majorley, directed by acclaimed playwright Latif Abubakar, tells the story of a devoted daughter who sacrifices herself to the sea gods to restore her blind father’s sight. While the narrative is inspired by the Korean original, it incorporates Ga traditions and Ghanaian cultural symbolism.
Abubakar explained that by embedding the story within the cultural rhythms, language, and symbols of the Ga people, the production not only preserves the essence of the Korean tale but also creates a platform for cross-cultural understanding and creative fusion.
He announced that there will be two showings of Sim Majorley on August 9 at the Accra International Conference Centre—at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.—and urged Ghanaians to attend this unique fusion of heritage, heart, and hope.
Expanding Cultural Engagement
In addition to the theatrical performance, the festival will include K-pop dance showcases by Ghanaian youth as well as Korean culture booths where attendees can experience Korean food, innovations, and traditions. The organizers have chosen to host part of the festival in Tema to make Korean culture more accessible to Ghanaians outside of Accra.
Ambassador Kyongsig emphasized that the festival is more than just entertainment—it serves as a cultural bridge. “Our sincere hope is that this event will help deepen mutual understanding and further strengthen the cultural ties between our two countries.”
Strengthening Ties Through Education and Exchange
The Korean Cultural Festival is part of a broader outreach program under the Korean Embassy’s ongoing scholarship initiative. This program supports cultural education and people-to-people exchanges between Ghana and South Korea.
“Together, let us continue to tell stories that move us, and move the world,” concluded Abubakar.
Tickets for Sim Majorley are expected to go on sale later this month, generating significant excitement among theatre lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
