“The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us but those who win battles we know nothing about” - Samantha Ruth Prabhu.
This saying proved true as family and friends gathered for a vigil celebrating the life of eighty-four-year-old Sandy Solomon Kwesi Kwansah Arkhurst, former Acting Director School of Performing Arts-cum-former Head, Department of Theatre Arts. The sombre vigil was organized by the Department of Theatre Arts.
The Acting Dean for the School of Performing Arts, Prof. Awo Mana Asiedu in her welcome address, expressed her sincere gratitude to members present, physically and virtually. Prof. Asiedu stated that the vigil was needful and necessary to commemorate the exemplary life lived by Sandy Arkhust. In her address, she noted how the ceremony had brought together both alumni and retired staff and further used the platform to solicit for financial support in order to rebuild and strengthen the School of Performing Arts.
Acting Dean for the School of Performing Arts, Prof. Awo Mana Asiedu
In brief remarks, the Provost for the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori stated that the deceased had a huge significance in the lives of his colleagues. Prof. Ofori advised the audience to live lives worthy of emulation in order to be remembered. He also expressed immense gratitude to the organizers and the audience present.
Papa Arkhurst, on behalf of the Arkhurst family mentioned the desire of the family to continue to make a difference in the School of Performing Arts. He added that it was necessary to cement the legacy of Sandy Arkhurst and solicit the needed support in assisting the University and Department of Theatre Arts.
Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy said that many have benefited from the efforts and success of the deceased and that was the reason for the gathering. She also reminisced the close relationship between her deceased mother Efua Sutherland and Sandy Arkhurst. Prof. Sutherland-Addy added that the greatest tribute that can be given to the deceased is making the country understand the importance of Arts to the development of the nation.
There was a sense of fondness and nostalgia as the Head of Department, Dr. Sarah Dorgbadzi told the story of the pivotal role Sandy Arkhurst played in convincing her father to allow her to join the Department of Theatre Arts. Dr. Dorgbadzi proposed a Yearly Theatre for Development Conference in honour of the deceased and his works.
Head of Department, Dr. Sarah Dorgbadzi
Tributes from friends were read and some were displayed virtually.
Earlier, there was a lively performance from the Abibigromma, the Resident Theatre Group of the School of Performing Arts, emulating the life of the deceased. In addition, a short Reminiscence of Sandy was performed by Prof. Martin Owusu along with a fun-filled story and tribute.
Staff of the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Winneba and Members of the Commonwealth Hall celebrated Sandy amidst singing and reading of tributes. Also, a short Seprewa was performed to commemorate the deceased.
Present at the event were Mr. Brew Riverson Jr., Head of Department for Theatre Arts, University of Winneba; Mr. Ekow Blankson, Managing Director TV Africa; Mr. Kow Ansah, renowed Ghanaian film-maker; Rev. Fr. Dr. Aaron Annan, Rev. Dr. Elias Asiamah, and Dr. Akua Ekuma, all of the Theatre Arts Department. Faculty, staff and students of the School of Performing Arts and members of the University community were also in attendance.
