Our Day bring their powerful play DRUM to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, inspired by real events and fusing storytelling, music and dance to capture a unique snapshot of the swinging sixties.
The production company focuses on highlighting experiences of the Ghanaian community in the UK Diaspora and on the continent.
DRUM showcases a historical reimagination of two Ghanaian men who explore a series of hard-hitting conversations about dual-identity, tackling the challenge of what it means to preserve your cultural integrity whilst surviving a new world of both opportunity and compromise.
Here, director Sarah Amankwah answers our festival Q&A…
How do you feel about coming to the Fringe?
We’re feeling very excited! This is my first time attending the Fringe as a director. Keen to see audiences’ responses to DRUM.
What’s your show all about?
Set in 1960s inside BBC studios in Bush House, two Ghanaian men meet for a photoshoot. They discuss identity and culture painted with the sounds of highlife music.
How pleased have you been with the response to DRUM so far?
We had such warm and joyful responses at previews for DRUM. Looking forward to Fringe audiences responses. We are still raising money on our crowdfunder. Though the deadline has past folks can still contribute here.
How important are the stories in DRUM to tell?
These stories touch on very important topics such as identity, rich heritage and legacy within Ghanaian culture and the African Diaspora. Both characters are real life figures in Ghanaian history who are due their flowers.
What other storytelling and creative work is Our Day doing?
Our Day are developing new plays focussed on Ghana and diaspora. Along with audio projects there is a podcast which came out some years ago called DEM TIMES available on streaming platforms.
How special a platform is the Fringe for theatre?
Fringe is renowned for feeding the curiously creative mind. Its hustle and bustling energy feels like a sort of Olympics for the arts. Diversity in all areas makes it a welcoming environment and a great platform for new raw talent.
If you were in charge of the Fringe, what changes would you make?
I would have a day in the week for PAYWHATYOUCAN. Though the arts has less and less funding, the economy still struggles to make it accessible to all people. A night where folks can pay what they can would bring in wider audiences who find Fringe expensive.
Have you had any previous experiences of the festival – either as a visitor or performer?
Yes. I’ve performed at the Fringe twice as an actor and visited as an audience member.
What essential item are you packing to survive a month at the Fringe?
Hand sanitiser. Hygiene is a must at festivals!
Who else are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
What question would you ask other performers in a Q&A – and why? What would you define as ‘great storytelling’? Questions like this allow me to get to the heart of a creative.
DRUM, Underbelly, Cowgate (Iron Belly), 2.10pm, until August 25 (excl 12 and 19)
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