Ibsen Education in Ghana

Abstract

The use of Ibsen dramas in training theatre professionals in most cultures cannot be overlooked due to the nature, and impact of Ibsen s works on contemporary societies and his contribution to the development of modern drama. This thesis studies the educational use of Ibsen dramas in Ghanaian theatre institutions and considers ways in which Ibsen dramas could be promoted to Ghanaian audiences. With a blend of European, American and African theories coupled with interviews of key educators and analysis of themes in Ibsen dramas the research reviews the colonial roots of Ghana s educational system to examine how Ibsen has and is being taught in Ghana. Observing that Ibsen does not move outside the academic institutions, the research further proposes ways in which Ibsen dramas can be adapted for Ghanaian audiences by examining a Nigerian adaptation of A Doll s House, and indigenous Ghanaian performance forms of storytelling and concert party theatre.