George Quaye to Premiere 'Gayina’s Pound of Flesh,' a Ghanaian Reimagining of Shakespeare, This August

Ghanaian playwright and director George Quaye is set to unveil his latest production, 'Gayina’s Pound of Flesh,' at the National Theatre this August. This highly anticipated work is an original African adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic, 'The Merchant of Venice.' Scheduled for two consecutive weekends—August 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2026—the play promises to bring a contemporary local perspective to one of the world's most enduring theatrical narratives. Produced by Image Bureau, the production aims to bridge the gap between classical literature and modern Ghanaian social realities through a lens of cultural introspection.

Set in present-day Kumasi, the play shifts the original Venetian setting to the heart of Ghana’s Ashanti Region. The story centers on Efo Gayina, a traditional moneylender who becomes the target of intense societal ridicule and prejudice due to his adherence to an indigenous faith. In a dramatic turn that mirrors the Shakespearean source material, Gayina agrees to provide a loan under the chilling and shocking condition of claiming a 'pound of flesh' should the debt go unpaid. This central conflict serves as a powerful vehicle to explore the complexities of human relationships and the devastating effects of religious intolerance within a local context.

Beyond the immediate tension of the loan agreement, 'Gayina’s Pound of Flesh' delves into nuanced themes of revenge, justice, and the difficulty of forgiveness. George Quaye’s adaptation is intentionally designed to challenge the traditional binary of heroes and villains, encouraging the audience to reflect on sensitive issues such as tribal stereotypes and religious hypocrisy. By grounding the narrative in the familiar landscape of Kumasi, the play provides a sharp commentary on contemporary societal divisions and the struggle for mutual respect in a religiously pluralistic environment. It invites viewers to question the moral foundations of their own prejudices and the nature of systemic exclusion.

Theatrical performances are scheduled for 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM each day at the National Theatre. Tickets for the production are currently available for purchase through online platforms and via phone reservations. As George Quaye continues to establish himself as a leading voice in Ghanaian theatre, 'Gayina’s Pound of Flesh' stands out as a significant cultural milestone that seeks to both entertain and foster a critical national dialogue about the values and biases that define modern Ghana.