The power of faith: African community fights against old spirits

The power of faith: African community fights against old spirits

On February 12, 2025, the premiere of the urban dance theater "Preach" will take place in the Theater Oberhausen. The production, which is directed by Kwame Osei and Kama Frankl-Gross, deals with the versatile aspects of religious communities in Africa. The central figure is Pastor Georg Kojo Brown, who preaches topics such as love, security, sin and guilt in his African community. He warns his listeners of the dangers caused by pagan customs and describes the fears and despair of the members who are tortured by their ghosts of the past.

The piece raises the voice against violence in the trade fairs and questions the power structures within African religious communities. The conflicts of such clashes are not only liturgical, but also carry the mental scars from colonization and mission. As bpb.de are the two major religious communities in Africa, which are often in parallel to the traditional African religions exist.

The artistic implementation

The ensemble of "Preach" consists of a 12-member gospel choir and three musicians. Inspired by the dynamic services of the African independent churches that offer space for local traditions and experiences, the audience should receive 46 deeper insights into African -specific religiousness by participating in the New Life Gospel Choir and the Youth Choir.

The line -up includes talented artists such as Joseph Louis Sitti and Beckley Adeoye, who make the emotional and spiritual journey of the figures tangible through their representations. The background music comes from Nanaboadu Asamoah (drums), Bernard Baffour-Awuah (Bass) and Douglas Osei (keyboard), and will offer the audience an impressive experience.

A look at the religious structures

according to Theaterkompass.de is the situation in the African communities. The influence of Christianity, which came to Africa in the 15th century through European trade in Africa, questioned many social norms and led to the creation of mission church and African independent churches. These independent churches have established themselves as a protest movement against the mission churches and are known for integrating elements of traditional African religiosity, which ensures them.

Traditional African religions that are deeply rooted in the cultural identity of people, emphasize the connection to ancestors and community and accompany people through all phases of life, as numerous rites and rituals illustrate. This leads to a strong bond with culture. The comparison of the various faiths is skilfully discussed in “Prach” and stimulates reflection on one's own spirituality and their social implications.

"Preach" is not only performed on the premiere day, but further performances are planned on February 23 and on March 8 and 21, 2025. The piece not only promises a festival for the senses, but also a profound examination of Africa's spiritual culture, which occupies a central place in today's society.