Expressive Movements at National Theatre

The scene at the National Theatre last Saturday was quite electrifying; the audience sits in a relaxed posture as they wait for the curtain to drop for yet another performance of the critically acclaimed dance drama – "Bukom".
Dancers from the National Dance Company, whose bodies have been crafted by years of practice move onto the stage with controlled movements as the evergreen piece, choreographed by Prof. F. Nii Yartey unfolds.
Accompanied by wild rhythms emanating from a variety of traditional percussive instruments, the audience is immediately transferred to Bukom, a bustling neighbourhood close to the city centre in Accra.
Scenes depicting activities of gangsters, robbers, fights, family squabbles, drug / domestic abuse, gambling, boxing bouts, alcoholism among others are hilariously relayed to the audience through fluid body engagements and sounds.
Directed by Nii Tete Yartey, this fast moving drama captures through communicative movements and metaphorical sounds, the complicated and complex life in this famous part of Accra, which is also characterized by numerous success stories.
Noted for a string of successful boxers including Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey Joshua Clottey, the neighbourhood is also popular for Kpanlogo, Gome, Kolomashie and the now famous Azonto.
The National Theatre of Ghana in collaboration with the National Dance Company presented the performance, which also forms part of Celebrating Accra Arts Festival.