George Apraku Dentu, son of the late novelist, L.D. Apraku has drawn attention to a possible copyright infringement regarding an upcoming play, ‘The Legend of Aku Sika’.
This was contained in a letter dated May 28 to the National Theatre of Ghana, the premises where the play is set to be staged on June 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th June, 2024.
George Apraku Dentu’s allegations are that ‘The Legend of Aku Sika’ play is a dramatization of a the novel ‘Aku Sika’ whic was written by his late father.
Dentu asserts that the producers of the play ImageBureau and April Communication, did not seek permission from any copyright holder.
“Information gathered shows Mr. Martin Okyere Owusu as the writer of the ‘Legend of Aku Sika’ and in whose honour the play is being performed.
“I wish to kindly inform you of a possible Copyright infringement by this performance. This is because there has not been any contact of the performing group with the copyright owners of the novel ‘Aku Sika,” the letter read.
When contacted by myjoyonline.com, Dentu said there was a possibility that ‘The Legend of Aku Sika’, written by Professor Martin Owusu, was inspired by his father’s book.
“I read online that the play which is about to be staged at the National Theatre is based on Nana Kwame Ampadu’s ‘Aku Sika’, and the song is based on the novel ‘Aku Sika’ written by my father,” he said.
After further questioning to find out if he had read Professor Martin Owusu’s version to ascertain if it bears any similarities with his father’s, he said “no, I haven’t read it. That is why I said ‘possible infringement’.”
Meanwhile, the Team Lead for Image Bureau, George Quaye has explained that Professor Martin Owusu took the story from a folktale, which means that George Apraku Dentu’s father is not the original owner of the story.
‘The Legend of Aku Sika’ will be performed at the National Theatre on 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th June, 2024 in honour of the author Professor Martin Owusu, a lecturer at the University of Ghana who has imparted generations of actors and theatre art professionals.
The play features actors such as Mawuli Semevor, Edinam Atatsi, Arnold Asamoah Baidoo, Roland Adom, Elvis Crystal, Adomaa, among others.
