By Sharon Zoe Williams
The National Theatre came alive on Friday night as Globe Productions rolled out the red carpet for the much-anticipated premiere of “The Darkest Chapter”—a groundbreaking theatrical experience that dives deep into the heavy, complex conversations surrounding global reparations and restorative justice.
Spearheaded by renowned playwright, director, and producer Latif Abubakar, the production marks a major milestone as Globe Productions’ 21st play and Abubakar’s very first musical. Featuring an astonishing 18 original songs written for the stage, the 90-minute masterpiece takes audiences on an emotional, soul-stirring journey through 400 years of history.
Breaking Down the Abstract: What is “The Darkest Chapter”?
For many, abstract global discussions on reparations, historical injustices, and systemic economic structures can feel distant or difficult to grasp. This global dialogue took center stage on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, when President Mahama addressed the UN General Assembly during the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. His advocacy led the UN General Assembly to pass Ghana’s historic motion on reparations with an overwhelming 123 member states voting in favour.
Bringing this monumental diplomatic momentum to the local stage, Friday night’s premiere bridged that gap effortlessly through stellar stage performances, song, and dramatic storytelling.
Reflecting on the vision behind the production, Director and Producer Latif Abubakar shared his deep emotion and excitement following the curtain call:
”The reparations chapter is the current conversation across the globe—one of the most important conversations that Presidents and countries are championing. For us to be able to adapt the conversation and break it down into a stage performance, making it meaningful and easily understood by online audiences and everyday people, is what makes me most excited.”
Abubakar noted that the production successfully demystifies why the pursuit of reparative justice matters today:
”We are basically unearthing what happened from the slavery era to date… We thought the abolition of slavery was the end, not knowing it was just a conversation on paper. We are still, and we can testify, enslaved in our minds. So this play tells the story and unearths it from 400 years ago, through Independence, to what is happening now.”
A Historic Milestone for Globe Productions
Marking his 21st production, Abubakar admitted that creating his first-ever musical was a profoundly emotional experience:
“Writing 18 songs is a big deal. Trust me, this is one of my best-ever productions. I’m so emotional; I watched the entire piece and I’m excited. I love this production!”
Following Friday’s exclusive media and stakeholder premiere, the production team is gearing up for a massive weekend. Backed by key stakeholders—including the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—the vision is to take the powerful story of reparative justice across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas through performing arts.
Catch the Show This Weekend!
If you missed Friday’s soft premiere, don’t worry—the real deal is happening live at the National Theatre this weekend:
- Dates: Saturday and Sunday (Two shows each day!)
- Time: Saturday show starts at 4:00 PM
- Tickets: Standard tickets are GHS 200
- How to Buy: Dial *447*1092# or call the National Theatre Ticket Hotline at 027 502 7000.
Following its weekend run in Accra, the production is also slated to light up the stage at the African Festival this December. Grab your tickets, experience the music, join the conversation, and witness history come alive on stage!
