The National Theatre of Ghana has received notification of a possible copyright infringement lawsuit over an upcoming play on its premises.
According to the letter sent on May 28, 2024, an individual named George Apraku Dentu has claimed that the play, ‘The Legend of Aku Sika,’ dramatizes the novel ‘Aku Sika’ by his late father, L.D. Apraku.
He claimed that the play, which is slated to run on the 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th of June 2024, has been produced without the proper permissions.
“Information gathered shows Mr. Martin Okyere Owusu as the writer of the “Legend of Aku Sika” and in whose honour the play is being performed.
“I wish to kindly inform you of a possible Copyright infringement by this performance. This is because there has not been any contact of the performing group with the copyright owners of the novel ‘Aku Sika,’” the letter read.
As reported by Myjoyonline.com, Dentu expressed concerns over potential similarities between his father’s work and the play written by Professor Martin Owusu.
“I read online that the play, which is about to be staged at the National Theatre, is based on Nana Kwame Ampadu’s ‘Aku Sika,’ and the song is based on the novel ‘Aku Sika’ written by my father,” he said.
Despite not having read Owusu’s version, Dentu cited online discussions suggesting a connection to his father’s novel.
Meanwhile, the play, honoring Professor Martin Owusu for his contributions to theatre arts and education, promises to be a star-studded event featuring notable actors like Mawuli Semevor and Edinam Atatsi.
See the letter below
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