About Us

Osagyefo Theatre Company

OSA-JE-FO’ as it is pronounced, is an Akan title traditionally given to leaders who have been victorious in battle. Osagyefo Theatre Company, is an African arts-in-education non-profit making organisation based in Luton, England, organising workshops, seminars, lectures and performances, focusing mainly on African Culture, Religion, History, Art & Crafts, Cookery, Drama, Storytelling, Music and Dance in Schools, Colleges, (including Special Needs’) and the communities all over the United Kingdom.

The company, which was established in 1992 and registered as a charity in 1996, by two brothers, Martin and Alfons Hanson, consists of professional and experienced artists and teachers with over 30 years working in all educational levels and the arts/cultural industry, both in Ghana and Europe.

Prior to moving to England, Osagyefo had established itself as one of the leading touring companies in Ghana, bringing some of the social and economic issues to the wider communities, through music, dance and drama. The company, which has a track record of promoting African arts in all levels of education, from the Nursery through to University, including organising INSET for teachers, has been very successful with its’ educational programmes, in bringing cultural diversity to its participants.

Vision:
To become the leading African Arts in Education Company in Europe

Mission:
Osagyefo seeks to change the perception about Africa and African cultures, by working within schools and communities, through seminars, lectures, workshops and performances

Aims:
To share, encourage and stimulate interest in African Arts.
To deliver educational activities for children, youths, adults and the special needs’ schools.
To advance and promote the knowledge of and participation in African Arts & Culture.
To provide distinct and unique services by working in partnership with institutions and trusts.

Objects:
Run workshops in schools and community centres.
Work in partnership with the Borough arts officers.

Organise series of workshops within the communities. Participate in local annual festivals and carnivals.

STAFF: Martin Hanson – Founder & Executive Director – Is a teacher, performing artist and holds an MA in Creative Entrepreneurship – University of East Anglia, Norwich and Post Graduate Diploma in Arts Management – Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. He runs the company full time and is assisted by graduates from School of Performing Arts – Legon, Ghana.

BOARD & TRUSTEES -Osagyefo Theatre Company is managed by a five member team:

Mr Ebenezer Winful – is a Chartered Accountant by profession and has been practicing for some years now. He is currently the Business Analyst for Spring Housing in London.

Mr Peter Douglas Nimoh – An IT specialist and a Youth Development coach

Mrs Lilia Hanson – A teacher and now a nurse by profession and has been involved in the arts for some time now. Her interest is in visual arts and has been teaching collage/calabash arts

Mr Samuel Cobbina – A legal practioner based in Luton.

Mrs Vivian Siriboe – A High School teacher