Theatre lovers in Accra have a chance to enjoy a night out and support a good cause this weekend. The 2002 year group of the St Mary's Old Girls Association (SMOGA) is teaming up with Roverman Productions and Joy FM to stage I Do, I Don't, a play by Uncle Ebo Whyte, as a fundraiser, according to a report by Graphic Showbiz.
Tickets can be bought by dialling *365*536# or at outlets including Kay's Haven in Dzorwulu, Tema Community 11 Shell, Doue Designs in Dansoman, Effan Victory Clinic on Spintex Road and Artiste Alliance Gallery on La Beach Road, according to Graphic Showbiz.
Proceeds from the show will go towards refurbishing the science laboratory at St Mary's Senior High School. The old girls describe the project as a way of giving back to their alma mater and improving students' learning and practical science skills, Graphic Showbiz reports.
Science laboratories are essential for students preparing for practical examinations in subjects such as physics, chemistry and biology. Many public senior high schools struggle with outdated equipment and limited resources, and alumni groups often step in to help.
I Do, I Don't tells the story of Abena Ackon, a woman pulled in different directions by the demands of her boss, colleagues, husband, mother-in-law and even her pastor. The play explores the pressures of work, marriage and family life, and the struggle to keep one's own identity while trying to meet everyone else's expectations.
The themes are familiar territory for Uncle Ebo Whyte, whose plays often blend comedy with lessons on relationships, faith and everyday life in Ghana.
Uncle Ebo Whyte is one of Ghana's most successful playwrights and the creative force behind Roverman Productions. For years, his plays have drawn large audiences to the National Theatre, helping to keep live theatre popular in Accra at a time when many other forms of entertainment have moved online.
Earlier this month, the National Theatre honoured Uncle Ebo Whyte for his contribution to Ghanaian theatre, according to Graphic Showbiz. His productions regularly run several shows on the same day to meet demand, as this fundraiser will.
Old students' associations, organised by year groups, are a major source of support for Ghana's senior high schools. Year groups often mark anniversaries with projects such as renovating dormitories, building libraries, donating buses or equipping laboratories.
The SMOGA 2002 year group's partnership with Roverman shows a creative approach to fundraising, combining entertainment with giving. By choosing a popular playwright and a well-known venue, the organisers hope to attract a large audience and raise significant funds for the project.
The play adds to a lively October calendar in Ghana, with concerts, festivals and awards nights taking place across the country. For families and couples looking for something different this weekend, a Roverman play at the National Theatre is a familiar favourite.
Charity performances have become a popular way for alumni groups, churches and NGOs in Ghana to raise money. A well-known production guarantees an audience, ticket sales generate funds directly, and corporate partners can support the cause through sponsorship. Roverman Productions has a large loyal audience, which makes it an attractive partner for such projects.
The organisers have not announced a fundraising target. Talk Talk will report on how much the show raises for the St Mary's science laboratory if the year group publishes the figures.
