For a show that had the benefit of one year on the drawing board, and one involving personalities who have handled show business for decades, last Tuesday's 20th ACRAG Show by the Arts Critics and Reviewers Association of Ghana was not altogether the tasty and warm dish that had been promised to Ghanaians.

The late start, it has been found, was entirely beyond ACRAG's control. But certainly the many goofs and gaffes were way beyond acceptable limits in show business. It was obvious that this was one show that was suffering from an acute anaemia of planners.

But artistically, there were a few spots that shone like isolated drops of diamonds in a pool of darkness. Professor Nii Yartey's choreography, like clothes, fitted perfectly on the body of his former charges of the National Dance Company. 0, you nearly lost your breath as the movements mesmerised you.

The Indians were a joy to watch. The large number of Indians from the Indian community in Accra had something to compensate for the hours of waiting. Many Ghanaians were thrilled to see, in flesh, the likes of Amitabh, Serene and Nimmi who were, until Tuesday, only figments of the silver screen. They pouted with kisses that remained unconsummated and the ladies swooned at the sight of their lovers. These are not just film makers; they are total artists who could sing as well as dance.

In his welcome address, Emeritus Professor J.H. Kwabena Nketia displayed native wisdom as he tempered his abhorrence for mediocrity on the arts scene with harsh words garnished with proverbs from his native Akan.

In the absence of any good material for stage or the screen, he said, Ghanaians were sinking into that valley where the dwellers accept what is available. In a voice that did not rise or fall and therefore, could not convey the anger of the speaker who felt justifiable contempt for goings on in the Arts, Prof Nketia, president of ACRAG, practically urged Ghanaians to say no to helpings from artists who, it is obvious, do not know their craft.

In the absence of anything worthy to be called art, he lamented that Ghanaians seemed to have caved in to accept what is available, even if it is obvious trash.

What a night. People yawned. Countless number of occasions, people were peering at their wrist watches.

Credit: The Spectator

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