By Ibrahim S.Bangura
Empire Arts Institute (EAI) in collaboration with University of Sierra Leone (USL) Theatre Group, on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Atlantic Hotel Lumley Beach Road in Freetown, staged a drama titled, ‘Desire’, a play with themes of power, betrayal, war, love, education and celebration.
Empire Arts Institution, which was established in 2018, is an education based arts venture in Sierra Leone with a mission to create quality full scale art with a focus on training. According to the institution, they usually lay emphasis on training in theatre studies, musical theatre, including cultural music and dance, acting, painting, clothing and textile, graphic design and craft.
‘Desire’, which celebrates Sierra Leonean culture, traditions and heritage, was about two kingdoms, Mordagba and Golahun, who fought for power that was left by their late parents. Amidst the thirst for war, there was a deep desire for love.
The story was written by Emmanuel Arthur Gbolie, a member of EAI; and directed by Yoko Mahiteh Reffell-Wyse Esq. (nee Brewah), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EAI; and Bilal Jalloh (BJ), president of the University of Sierra Leone Theatre Group.
According to George B. Kallon, who played a role of King Hindolo of Mordagba Kingdom, he was very excited to play the role of king. “I thank the organisers of this play. They made me a king, though a one-day king. I believe that the drama was not only staged to entertain and educate the audience, but to also showcase Sierra Leonean culture and heritage through arts and to give life back to the theatre industry of Sierra Leone.”