Dr. Mensah, Samuel Arko

Samuel Arko Mensah is a senior lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Education, Winneba - Ghana. He is a theatre critic and director. His research interest is in Ghanaian theatre, ritual aesthetics, dramatic theories and criticism and musical theatre. He holds a Ph.D in Arts and Culture (Theatre Arts option)  as well as a Master of Philosophy in Arts and Culture (Theatre option) from the Department of Music Education, University of Education, Winneba – Ghana respectively.

Samuel’s stage presence involves hard effort, discipline, inspiration, and teamwork. He has directed and presented plays by prominent African writers, including Fred Abgeyegbe (The King Must Dance Naked), Mohammed ben Abdallah (The Fall of Kumbi), and Wole Soyinka (Death and the King's Horseman). He has throughout his carrier directed other musicals notably among them are Mireku’s Asomdwee Hen in 2012 and 2018 in Winneba and Essilfie’s Songs of Akotamat the National Theatre with Harmonious Chorale – Ghana in 2023 as well as Rejoice Africa: Awakening of the People – A satirical musical performed by One Voice Choir - Ghana on May 1, 2024 at the National Theatre.

Arko is an aficionado of music. He has helped form and managed some choral groups in Ghana. Mention can be made of the African Youth Choir, Winneba – Ghana, and Akoo Show Choir an all-male ensemble that makes traditional songs, and gospel rhythmic chord music and choreographs their songs in context.