FAIBA BERNARD’s interpretation of ALI DONDO receives plaudits from patrons.

Patrons have their say in this review of the play. Bill Marshall would have marshalled extra hands to applaud Faiba Bernard’s interpretation of his play. Just a week ago, Wednesday, 26th November, 2025, HoLaLaa Studioz in collaboration with Spotdetail Business Solutions staged the comedy-drama, ALI DONDO to an overly excited and visibly satisfied patronage at the Folksplace of the National Theatre of Ghana. Hence, we will take a look at what a few patrons had to say about the art piece they witnessed.

The play is written by the late Bill Marshall and the vision behind this, the director, Faiba Bernard gave it a new look, out of the norm; as notable of the inkr3dibel fAibA! The play was staged in a horseshoe, which is an element of Theatre-in-around rather than the traditional proscenium. In the Horse-shoe / Theatre-in-the-round style, the audience are seated at all four ends; forming a circle-sort of, while the play is performed in the space created in the middle.

This took patrons by surprise as the amphi theatre of the National Theatre is not traditionally designed for this. Which speaks volumes of the creativity employed. Post-performance reactions were universal and critical acclaim; “I always endeavor never to miss a Faiba Bernard shows. I know I will experience something different and eclectic! Theatre in the round is always a big challenge to the entire ensemble, and, it was well executed! That’s hard work and love for theatre! I hail oo” – Evelyn Nana Ama Asare.

“Good job, Director Faiba. The play was short and sweet last night. It is amazing how the script has stood the test of time. The music trio (Nii Musesick & The Muse band) was excellent! The husband and wife couple who happened to be Muslim/Christian respectively had an impact on me. I know there are a few couples in GH(Ghana) that are paired up this way. It was intriguing [on] how they conversed throughout the play.

All actors were great and the blockings [designed movements of actors on the stage] were also very good. This is my first time seeing a play “in the round” or “horse-shoe” in GH [Ghana]. Very well executed. A small sheet/play bill [brochure] would’ve been helpful for audience to know who they were watching on the stage and for a short synopsis. Well done for Week [of preparations]. I’m still amazed. [clap emojis]” – Mrs. Quartey
“Ali Dondo! Even the title sef [itself] be very catchy. I mean, I enjoyed every part of it. and I really loved the fact that they had to pause for the GA song to come in. Giving us the “indian movie” vibe. Being a Bollywood films fan, I liked that bit a lot. Lol” – Kin Wyse

“Whoever thought a play titled ‘Ali Dondo’ would detail more than the title eludes. It used humour to explore themes on coups, corruption and religion. It was such a fun experience, especially that last scene which had me thinking after the show.” – Afua Konadu

“I love the play. It was nice. It was short, maybe it’s because I came a little late [giggles] but I would’ve wanted more [giggles again]. The Q&A session where Faiba threw light on inspiration of real life events being a motivational anecdote to the play, it gave me a better understanding. For me, I think it’s just the ending that, I’m like, ‘if you’re shooting the person, shot the person and let’s see that you’ve shot the person’ before it blacks out. But don’t just point the gun and then black-out.’ But I get you, you want to leave room for interpretation after. But it was nice, very very nice. It was a “Faiba Bernard play”, of course. I didn’t expect anything less, yeah! – Magnessa Mens

“bro, it was a very good show. But it’s just the lady (Martha played by Mawuena Abotsi Ami) and the Corporal (played by Patrick Akuetteh) who were struggling a bit to conform the movements and tiny intricacies akin to the open air theatre (Theatre-in-the-round). However, Justice [Ornan Abadah] (playing Ali Dondo) and the Priest/Minister (played by Jude Bertram Buckman) were very comfortable in their roles and the round theatre technicalities. Being familiar with the play, I realized Buckman stuck with the original lines with no ad-libs and acted in his character beautifully. He was very good on his delivery and his turning too was very good; very compatible to the open air theatre (Theatre-in-the-round). Justice [Ornan Abadah] was fantastic. [He] did a very good job. And the lighting [design] as Mawuli said, next time kindly take into consideration to set them at different locations to better illuminate the set.” – Nana Afum Barimah (Yobo)

“Congratulations, Faiba, for another “Intriguing Experience”. Your works always gives a different experience and you so did not disappoint. Faiba has really shown us ‘Elective Theatre’” – Francis Jeremy

“A big congratulations to Faiba and the team on their awesome production yesterday. He never disappoints! Indeed, he [Faiba] does Elective Theatre! – Nana Qwexi Nature

Follow @faibabernard and @holalaastudioz on all social media platforms so you don’t miss their next event.