Fiifi Coleman is an actor and theatre practitioner
Ghanaian actor and theatre practitioner Fiifi Coleman has lamented what he describes as the premature shift from stage productions to film within Ghana’s creative industry.
Speaking in an interview on TV3 on February 24, 2026, Fiifi Coleman stated that the industry moved away from theatre at a time when it still had much to offer.
“We hurriedly moved away from the stage when it wasn’t the right time to because we can’t move away from there,” he said.
According to him, the stage serves as a foundation where actors refine and sharpen their skills before transitioning to the screen.
“I see people start from the stage, go to film and come back to the stage. It’s like where you start off from the stage, it becomes a place where you hone your skills and everything. Then we carry it onto the screen and for a while, we live there and it becomes just home for many people, forgetting about where the beginning was,” he explained.
Coleman noted that in other countries with well-developed entertainment cultures, actors consistently move between stage and film.
“What I’ve learnt from all other countries over developing a culture of entertainment is that they move from stage to film and back to stage. Meaning the stage has something to offer,” he shared.
‘I want to be like Fred Amugi at 85’ – Fiifi Coleman
He emphasised that theatre provides instant feedback, as audiences react in real time.
“It’s a place where they’ve all come to agree that your critics are right in front of you and that’s where you get your instant justification. That feel for an actor is so great to see how you’re able to move people in that particular situation,” he stated.
The film producer further disclosed his personal commitment to preserving theatre in Ghana.
“I decided to let the filmmakers keep doing what they can, but I will make sure that whatever is set for the theatre will not die off. I will rather see a theatre of something than to see a film version of it,” he said.
Coleman stressed that sustaining theatre is essential for the growth and continuity of Ghana’s cultural identity.
“Then and then, I’m seeing my stars right there with me. It’s a thing with me and my understanding of making it grow and continuing a culture that makes mistakes,” he added.
FG/AE
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