By Sharon Zoe Williams
Globe Productions opened the African Festival on Sunday, December 28, with a compelling performance of Don Quijote Africa, a stage adaptation by playwright Latif Abubakar of the classic Spanish novel Don Quixote.
The production was staged at the Accra International Conference Centre and reimagined the timeless story through a distinctly Ghanaian lens.
Abubakar’s adaptation transported audiences into a world where dreams collide with reality. The protagonist, portrayed as a Ghanaian man driven by old-fashioned ideals, sets out to challenge the status quo alongside his loyal companion, Sulley. Together, they navigate Ghana’s social landscape, confronting issues such as political corruption, moral decline and the struggles facing the youth.
The cast delivered strong performances, blending music, comedy and drama to create an engaging theatrical experience. Costumes and set design further enhanced the production, drawing heavily on Ghanaian village life and cultural symbolism.
Beyond its entertainment value, Don Quijote Africa offered clear moral lessons, prompting audiences to reflect on the balance between idealism and reality. Its exploration of identity, morality and social responsibility resonated strongly with patrons and sparked wider reflection on the role of theatre in social commentary.
Latif Abubakar and his creative team said the production was designed to promote cross-cultural understanding and unity between Ghana and the wider world. By retelling Miguel de Cervantes’ classic from an African perspective, the play highlighted universal themes that cut across cultures, demonstrating the power of theatre to transcend borders and connect people.
