Efua Sutherland was a Ghanaian playwright, director, and educator who made significant contributions to the African theater movement. She was born on June 27, 1924, in Cape Coast, Ghana, and was the daughter of the renowned scholar and educationist F.G. Guggisberg.
Sutherland was educated in Ghana, the United States, and England, where she studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. In 1958, she founded the Ghana Drama Studio, which became a center for the development of Ghanaian theater, and also taught at the University of Ghana.
Her plays, which are written in English and often draw on Ghanaian folktales and mythology, include “The Marriage of Anansewa,” “Edufa,” and “The Dilemma of a Ghost.” She also wrote children’s books, including “Playtime in Africa” and “The Voice in the Forest,” and was an advocate for children’s literature in Ghana.
Sutherland’s contributions to African theater and literature were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Order of the Volta, one of Ghana’s highest civilian honors. She passed away on January 2, 1996, but her legacy continues to inspire generations of Ghanaian artists and writers.
Efua Sutherland’s legacy also includes the creation of the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park in Accra, Ghana. The park was built in her honor and is dedicated to promoting education, creativity, and play for children. It serves as a vibrant cultural center that hosts events and performances year-round, including theater, music, dance, and visual arts. The park is a beloved community space and a testament to Sutherland’s enduring impact on Ghanaian culture and society.