Shirley Frimpong-Manso Premieres Latest Work, ‘Honeymoon Hotel

Award-winning Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso is stepping into a new realm of storytelling as she makes her directorial debut on the stage with the much-anticipated play Honeymoon Hotel. Set to run at the National Theatre from June 20 to 22, this production marks a significant milestone for Frimpong-Manso as she transitions from her well-established film career into the vibrant world of live theatre.

The play, produced by Africa Arts Network, is an original work penned by celebrated playwright Stephen Yaw Oppong. Known for pushing creative boundaries, Africa Arts Network continues to champion fresh narratives and innovative productions, and Honeymoon Hotel is no exception. This production promises to deliver a captivating blend of romance, humor, and drama, brought to life by an outstanding cast.

The ensemble features some of Ghana’s finest talents from both screen and stage. Among the notable names are Joselyn Dumas, James Gardiner, Ama K. Abebrese, Godwin Namboh, Andrew Tandoh-Adote, Gadede Segbefia, David Dontoh, Jasmine Baroudi, and Amanda Jissih. Their combined experience and dynamic performances are set to create a memorable theatrical experience for audiences.

Honeymoon Hotel is a witty romantic dramedy set in a luxurious hotel designed to celebrate love. However, beneath the façade of romance, the hotel becomes the backdrop for a series of unexpected twists as guests arrive with hidden secrets and the hotel staff navigate their own complicated relationships. The resulting mix of comedy and drama explores themes of love, commitment, deceit, and second chances with both depth and levity.

For Shirley Frimpong-Manso, the move from film to theatre represents a fresh and thrilling challenge. Speaking about her new venture, she shared her excitement about the immediacy and rawness that live performance offers. “Theatre is alive in a way that film isn’t,” she explained. “It’s raw and immediate. This experience has allowed me to rediscover storytelling in its purest form. Working with such a talented cast and crew on Honeymoon Hotel has been inspiring, and I’m thrilled for audiences to see what we’ve created.”

Africa Arts Network, the production company behind recent acclaimed theatrical successes like In the Chest of a Woman and You Play Me, I Play You, is once again setting a high bar with Honeymoon Hotel. The organization is committed to elevating Ghanaian theatre by combining compelling storytelling with top-tier talent and immersive production values.

Kofi Adinkra, founder of Africa Arts Network, expressed confidence that this production will have a lasting impact on the local theatre industry. “Honeymoon Hotel is more than just a play; it’s a landmark moment that aims to elevate the market and growth potential of Ghanaian theatre. Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s involvement, as one of Africa’s leading film directors, brings a fresh perspective and raises the artistic standard of the production,” Adinkra said. He emphasized that incorporating prominent film actors into theatre will help break down barriers between the two mediums, attract new audiences, and solidify theatre’s place as a vibrant, commercially viable platform for storytelling in Ghana.

As anticipation builds, Honeymoon Hotel promises to be a unique theatrical event—one that blends sharp humor, heartfelt drama, and unexpected surprises. It is a testament to the evolving landscape of Ghanaian arts and culture, showcasing the power of collaboration across creative fields.

Tickets for Honeymoon Hotel are expected to be in high demand as theatre enthusiasts and fans of Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s work eagerly await the production’s premiere. This exciting fusion of cinema and theatre is poised to captivate audiences and open new doors for Ghana’s performing arts scene.