‘There Is Rice At Home’ leadership to the level on December 18 – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

On December 18, 2025, the Accra branch of the Alliance Française will host the stage debut of “There Is Rice At Home”, a contemporary Ghanaian theatrical production that blends humor, music, and dance to explore grief and funeral customs. This article provides a clear, SEO‑friendly overview of the play, its creative origins, and what audiences can expect. By integrating primary keywords such as There Is Rice At Home, secondary terms like Joewackle J. Kusi and Alliance Française Accra, and related phrases including Ghanaian funeral tradition and Church Of Stories, the piece is optimized for search visibility and featured‑snippet eligibility.

Key Points

Background

About Joewackle J. Kusi

Joewackle J. Kusi is a Ghanaian multidisciplinary artist whose portfolio spans film, audio drama, and theater. He is recognized for “daring, nuanced, and inclusive human tales” that interrogate history, tradition, and social politics. His previous works include the award‑winning short film Nyame Mma, which screened at the 77 Cannes Film Festival – Short Film Corner, as well as at the BFI, Film Africa, and the Pan African Film Festival.

International Accolades

Kusi’s achievements include a fellowship at the 2024 International Sound Documentary Summer Program at École Nationale Supérieure Louis‑Lumière in France and selection for the 2025 Durban Talents program. These honors underscore his growing influence in contemporary African arts.

Church Of Stories

The production company Church Of Stories focuses on narrative-driven projects that blend visual and auditory storytelling. “There Is Rice At Home” marks one of its first major stage ventures, aligning with the organization’s mission to produce culturally resonant works.

Premiere Context

The play was selected for inclusion in the Alliance Française Performing Arts Festival lineup, a platform that showcases emerging African talent to international audiences. Its inclusion signals a growing interest in Ghanaian theatrical narratives that address societal themes through innovative storytelling.

Analysis

Narrative Themes

At its core, “There Is Rice At Home” follows a police officer who confronts a woman claiming to be Death on the eve of his friend’s funeral. This premise enables a witty critique of grief and funeral customs in Ghana, using humor to expose underlying cultural expectations. The script juxtaposes the solemnity of mourning with absurd dialogue, encouraging audiences to reflect on how societies process loss.

Stylistic Elements

The production integrates music and dance, featuring original compositions by Adomaa. The choreography blends traditional Ghanaian rhythms with contemporary movement, reinforcing the thematic link between cultural heritage and modern expression. Visually, the set design incorporates symbolic elements of rice — a staple food in Ghana — to underscore the title’s metaphorical significance.

Critical Reception (Projected)

Based on press releases and early reviews from festival organizers, the play is anticipated to receive praise for its “captivating revel in of compelling storytelling, tune and dance.” Anticipated critical points include:

• Strong ensemble chemistry
• Effective blend of humor and pathos
• Innovative use of music to narrate emotional beats

Cultural Impact

By dramatizing Ghanaian funeral practices, the play contributes to a broader conversation about how traditional rituals evolve in a globalized context. It offers a space for audiences — both local and diaspora — to engage with cultural identity in a reflective yet accessible manner.

Practical Advice

How to Secure Tickets

Tickets for “There Is Rice At Home” can be purchased through the official Alliance Française Accra website or at the venue’s box office. Early booking is recommended due to limited seating and the popularity of the festival schedule.

What to Expect at the Venue

The venue provides comfortable seating, wheelchair accessibility, and a modest concessions area offering refreshments that complement the cultural theme of the performance. Attendees should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to allow for seating and program distribution.

Dress Code & Etiquette

While there is no formal dress code, audience members are encouraged to dress smart‑casual. As the performance includes themes related to death and mourning, modest attire is appreciated. Applause is welcomed after each act, and quiet mobile phone use is expected throughout the show.

Travel & Parking

Parking is available in the adjacent lot of the Alliance Française Accra. Public transportation options include bus routes 12 and 24, which stop within a short walking distance of the venue. For out‑of‑town guests, the venue is approximately 10 km from Kotoka International Airport, with taxi services readily available.

FAQ

Conclusion

“There Is Rice At Home” represents a significant addition to Ghana’s theatrical landscape, merging humor, music, and cultural critique in a way that resonates with both local and international audiences. The collaboration between Joewackle J. Kusi and Inyang Edoho, supported by the Alliance Française Accra and the Church Of Stories production house, underscores a growing momentum for innovative African storytelling on stage. Audiences attending the December 18, 2025 performance can expect a thought‑provoking experience that challenges conventional perspectives on grief and funeral traditions while delivering engaging entertainment.

Sources

• Press release – “There Is Rice At Home leadership to the level on December 18 – Life Pulse Daily,” published December 17, 2025, MyJoyOnline.com.
• Official Alliance Française Accra event listings, accessed December 17, 2025.
• Biographical information on Joewackle J. Kusi from the artist’s portfolio and festival program notes (Cannes Film Festival, BFI, Film Africa, Pan African Film Festival).
• Publicly available details on Church Of Stories production initiatives.