Plays
Edufa
In "Edufa" (1971), the exploration of tensions between tradition and personal aspirations unfolds in post-colonial Ghana. The narrative follows a successful businessman grappling with moral dilemmas and societal expectations, reflecting on cultural clashes and the consequences of forsaking one's roots.
The Marriage of Anansewa
A lively portrayal, "The Marriage of Anansewa" (1975) is set in Ghana, where the clever Ananse orchestrates a marriage for his daughter. Themes of tradition, deception, and the clash between old and new values are interwoven, presenting a thought-provoking commentary on societal norms and the intricacies of family dynamics.
Foriwa
Foriwa (1971) is a social drama set in Kyerefaso, a fictional rural community that is facing the challenges of modernization and development. Driven by the story of Foriwa, a young and educated woman who returns to her hometown to help rebuild it, the play explores the themes of tradition, change, culture, identity, gender and power.
Children's books and rhythm plays
Voice in the Forest
A small gem of a children’s book, shaped around the founding myth of an African village and glittering with enchanting images of nature. Ralph Sutherland’s charmingly rendered drawings and a companion audio narration by Her Excellency Professor Abena P.A. Busia complement the text.
Tahinta
Tahinta is a unique and captivating example of Efua Sutherland’s ideas for creating literary and audiovisual products out of the cultural experience and heritage of Ghanaian children. Described as a “rhythm play”, it develops a popular children’s story from the Akan tradition through call-and-response.
Vulture! Vulture!
"Vulture! Vulture!" is a call-and-response rhythm play based on the Akan play song ‘Pete Pete!Senyiwa Adedende, Senyiwa.’ With photos from its original live performance, the book exemplifies Sutherland's pioneering efforts to develop culturally-informed material for children as part of Ghana's literary development.
Photo Essays in collaboration with Willis E Bell
Playtime in Africa
"Playtime in Africa"(1960) is a captivating photo essay co-authored by Efua Sutherland and Willis Bell. Depicting Ghanaian children at play in a range of environments in newly independent Ghana, it not only champions the value of play in the growth of the individual child but connects play to national development.
The Roadmakers
"The Roadmakers" (1960) is a visually striking book capturing 1960s Ghana through black and white photographs by Willis Bell annotated with Sutherland's signature poetic prose, it explores the enduring spirit of a people in the process of forming a modern national identity in a transformative era.
