Highlife legend Gyedu Blay Ambolley is set to shine in the stage play, ‘I Told You So’, a theatrical adaptation of the classic 1970 Ghanaian film.
Scheduled to run from March 5 to 8 at the National Theatre, Accra, the production will feature six thrilling shows, drawing theatre lovers, film enthusiasts, and cultural patrons into a reimagined version of one of Ghana’s most treasured stories.
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But beyond the entertainment, this staging carries a deeper meaning.
A Classic Returns at a Symbolic Moment
The play is being mounted as a deliberate tribute to Ghana’s cultural heritage, coinciding with the country’s 70th independence anniversary. For director and producer Fiifi Coleman, the timing is intentional: the stage is being used not only as a platform for performance, but as a national mirror reflecting values Ghanaians are gradually losing touch with.
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According to Coleman, I Told You So is more than a popular title, it is a cultural monument.
“When you look at the history of I Told You So, it’s a journey from concert party under the writings of the great Bob Cole, then adapted for film,” Coleman explained.
Gyedu Blay Ambolley
The director described the original film as an iconic work that captured Ghanaian identity with remarkable authenticity, exploring themes of family, greed, discipline, morality, and societal values.
From Concert Party to Cinema… Now to the Big Stage
One of the most exciting angles of this production is its historical journey. The story of I Told You So has evolved through generations, beginning as a concert party performance, written under the legendary Bob Cole, later becoming a film classic, and now returning in a new form that blends tradition with modern theatre experience.
Coleman believes that the story’s relevance has not faded, but has grown stronger with time.
“To this day, everyone who truly believes in film has celebrated it as one of the greatest films to ever come out of the motherland.”
Released more than 50 years ago, the original film provided a rare glimpse into the realities of 1970s Ghanaian society, showcasing cultural norms, respect systems, family structures, and everyday social conduct.
A Wake-Up Call Wrapped in Entertainment
What makes this production more than just a nostalgic revival is its mission to spark reflection, especially among younger audiences.
Coleman noted that embedded within the story are lessons Ghana is gradually drifting away from.
“There are some little elements of who we are and where we are coming from that should seep through. It guides us, instructs us on ways that show discipline, how we respect people, what is accepted, what is not accepted, not talking back at elders and all of that. We are losing it and we are bringing attention to them through the play.”
In other words, this play is not just about laughter, drama, and entertainment, it is a cultural reminder and a quiet protest against moral decay.
A Modern Stage Experience With a Ghanaian Soul
While the story remains rooted in its original themes, Coleman insists audiences should expect a refreshed delivery and a more immersive theatrical presentation.
“We’ve taken the heart of this classic tale and translated it into a stage experience that is both entertaining and deeply resonant for today’s audience.”
This suggests the production will maintain the authenticity of the original while introducing stage energy, visual creativity, and emotional depth that appeals to modern theatre-goers.
Why This Production Matters Now
At a time when foreign content dominates screens and social media continues to influence lifestyle choices, Fiifi Coleman Productions is pushing back with something unmistakably Ghanaian.
The production of I Told You So is shaping up to be more than a show, it is a cultural statement, a heritage revival, and a reminder that Ghanaian storytelling still has the power to educate, entertain, and unify.
As Ghana marks 70 years of independence, this play becomes a symbolic artistic offering, reminding citizens that independence is not only political, but cultural.
And in Coleman’s eyes, protecting Ghana’s identity begins with keeping its stories alive.
With six shows scheduled across four days, audiences should expect the National Theatre to become a hub of nostalgia, excitement, and national pride, as I Told You So makes its long-awaited return, this time, live on stage.
