ONGOING PROJECTS
Sustaining Musical Cultures in Ghanaian Coastal Communities
Sustaining Musical Cultures in Ghanaian Coastal Communities
The musical traditions of Ghanaian coastal dwellers, particularly those that practice artisanal fishing, has been a topic of great interest to PerPos for about a decade now. The rich musical traditions are highly endangered due to several reasons. We have taken steps to record hundreds of fishing songs from many different communities, produced a documentary about the songs ( Cocooned in Harmony ), used narratives about the songs to co-create stage plays with community members and international partners (https://www.fringe-ensemble.de/en/project/stories-from-ghanaian-coast/), engaged in community screenings ( COCOONED IN HARMONY documentary film / community screenings, Ghana ), and created new songs that bother on issues around fishing and ocean governance best practices.
Key topics that we have addressed through the music of the fishing communities include:
1. Gender
2. Unequal power relations (mostly between minority and majority) groups in the communities
3. Religion
4. Climate change
5. Emotional connections to the ocean
6. Cultural identity
7. Environmental sustainability
8. Cultural policy and ocean governance
9. Musical evolution
Performing Positivity Through Creative Designing with Waste
Sustaining Musical Cultures in Ghanaian Coastal Communities
This project is an ongoing social lab for exploring ways in which plastic waste can be repurposed, reused, recycled into props, set-design for performances, costume accessories, teaching and learning resources and more.
Below is a specific example:
The climate crisis is of high concern to all nations, all institutions as its effects are dire and the end to this phenomenon seems to be far off. Plastic waste has been identified as one of the causes of this climate crisis. While a number of institutions and environmentalists are advocating and embarking on recycling ventures, there is still a lot that needs to be done.
One of the ways to adapting to this climate crisis is the adoption of the concept of the 3 Rs – refuse, reuse, recycle (referred to as ‘upcycle’ in some insatiable) in the production of waste, in particular non-degradable waste. This video presents the dawning of many projects of PerPos, in drawing practical solutions to environmental concerns in not only underserved communities but also in the urban and peri-urban centres, to contribute substantially climate justice while keeping close holds on cultural sustainability. In this short documentary we see as one of the ways, how plastic waste has used in creating scenery for a theatre performance of Efua Sutherland’s The Marriage of Anansewa which was performed at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. This project is in advocacy for the reconstruction of the pedagogy and practice of scenic design vis-à-vis current environmental issues in a bid to save the ecology from further destruction. Here's a link to a short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=69pVe3c7J8V7wGo5&v=RBGkd75eQc4&feature=youtu.be
Rhythms of Peace: Ghanaian Female Master Drummers and Peacebuilding in Indigenous Drumming Spaces
Rhythms of Peace: Ghanaian Female Master Drummers and Peacebuilding in Indigenous Drumming Spaces
Through the life journeys of six female master drummers, this project highlights how female master drummers in contemporary times are challenging years of male-dominance in this space. The project (re)present how the female master drummers are navigating conflict, performing gender, inclusivity, cultural sustainability and building strong institutions. Conventionally, indigenous drumming in Ghana—particularly among groups like the Akan and the Ewe—has been reserved exclusively for men with deep-seated spiritual and cultural taboos preventing women from touching or playing drums. These restrictions are often justified by myths and cultural narratives concerning impurity related to menstruation and perceptions of women’s physical weakness. This reinforces rigid gender roles and excludes women from participating as drummers in this cultural activity. Despite these, some women have broken the status quo to become virtuoso drummers whose lived experiences continue to reshape and regenerate indigenous drumming in Ghana. We have conducted (and are still conducting) research on these females and have created a documentary video on how the perform peace and inclusivity in such male-dominated practice (https://drive.google.com/file/d/18G8ewXh2LnI5VkRbEgVwHmE1IY6ai1J7/view?usp=drivesdk). Major highlights in this project include:
· Gender performativity in indigenous musical spaces
· Cultural sustainability
· Cultural regeneration
· Inclusivity in musical practices
· Peacebuilding and strong institutions
· Entrepreneurship in indigenous drumming spaces
· Co-creation for sustainability
· Decoloniality
· Gender and cultural policy
UPCOMING PROJECTS
National Prisons Reformation and Preparation for Community Reintegration through the Performing Arts
This project seeks to enhance a national prison reformation agenda in Ghana by integrating performing arts into rehabilitation programs to prepare inmates for successful community reintegration. Through music, drama, and creative expression, the initiative aims to provide psychosocial support, build self-esteem, and develop essential min
This project seeks to enhance a national prison reformation agenda in Ghana by integrating performing arts into rehabilitation programs to prepare inmates for successful community reintegration. Through music, drama, and creative expression, the initiative aims to provide psychosocial support, build self-esteem, and develop essential mindsets and behavioral skills such as persistence, growth mindset, future orientation, personal responsibility, teamwork, communication and discipline. Collaborating with the Ghana Prisons Service, civil society, and international partners, the program will pilot in key prisons before scaling nationwide. By fostering emotional resilience and creativity, the project intends to reduce recidivism, empower inmates, and promote positive societal contributions upon release, advancing holistic correctional reform in Ghana.
Community Access Performing Arts Project
This project seeks to launch the Community Access Performing Arts Project to promote social inclusion, cultural expression, and community development through music, dance, drama, and theater. The project will engage diverse community members in workshops and live performances that educate, empower, and foster connection. By creating acce
This project seeks to launch the Community Access Performing Arts Project to promote social inclusion, cultural expression, and community development through music, dance, drama, and theater. The project will engage diverse community members in workshops and live performances that educate, empower, and foster connection. By creating accessible platforms for storytelling and artistic collaboration, it aims to amplify marginalized voices and celebrate local heritage. Drawing on proven models, the initiative will enhance well-being, build social cohesion, and encourage positive behavioral change. Ultimately, the project will strengthen community bonds and support sustainable cultural engagement for lasting impact.
In an ongoing basis, the PerPos team will identify communities that have limited access to the performing arts, e.g. limited opportunities to learning musical instruments or being in a community choir or performing group such as a school drama club etc.
The team will work with various stakeholders to source for musical instruments for them and establish avenues for interested persons in the communities to learn and perform at no financial cost to them. Over time, it is hoped that the communities will take ownership of the groups and make some money from the initiative.
Developing Play-Based Curriculum Resources on Climate Education for Children
Developing Play-Based Curriculum Resources on Climate Education for Children
Developing Play-Based Curriculum Resources on Climate Education for Children
Play-based curriculum resources offer an effective, age-appropriate way to introduce children to climate education. Through storytelling, music, games, and hands-on activities, young learners engage with environmental concepts in fun and meaningful ways. This approach nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a sense of responsibility toward n
Play-based curriculum resources offer an effective, age-appropriate way to introduce children to climate education. Through storytelling, music, games, and hands-on activities, young learners engage with environmental concepts in fun and meaningful ways. This approach nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a sense of responsibility toward nature.
Key themes—such as recycling, conservation, weather, and biodiversity—can be explored through eco-themed role play, puppet shows, songs, or art projects using recycled materials. These activities promote critical thinking and collaboration while reinforcing sustainable habits.
Integrating local environmental issues, such as pollution or deforestation, makes climate learning more relatable. Activities like community gardening, storytelling rooted in indigenous knowledge, or nature walks help children connect global climate issues to their daily lives.
Ultimately, play-based climate education empowers children to become compassionate stewards of the Earth, fostering environmental awareness, hope, and a foundation for lifelong sustainable behavior.
Performing Positivity with Disability
Developing Play-Based Curriculum Resources on Climate Education for Children
Developing Play-Based Curriculum Resources on Climate Education for Children
This project aims to promote positivity and social inclusion among children with disabilities through the performing arts in Ghana. By engaging children in music, drama, dance, and creative play, the program seeks to enhance their emotional well-being, self-expression, concentration, memory and confidence. Incorporating art and play the
This project aims to promote positivity and social inclusion among children with disabilities through the performing arts in Ghana. By engaging children in music, drama, dance, and creative play, the program seeks to enhance their emotional well-being, self-expression, concentration, memory and confidence. Incorporating art and play therapy techniques, the initiative will provide safe, inclusive spaces for children to develop social skills and discover their talents. Collaborating with schools, special education centers, and community organizations, the project will foster empowerment, cultural pride, and community awareness, ultimately improving the quality of life for children with disabilities and promoting a more inclusive society.
COMING SOON!!!