The Ethics and Pragmatics of Making Heritage a Commodity: Ghana's PANAFEST 2009

Abstract

At Ghana's 2009 Pan African Historical Theatre Festival, discursive battles over the commodification of African heritage erupted amidst acrobatics, naming ceremonies, and asofo dancing. This aesthetic and verbal volleying entangled state dignitaries, paramount chiefs, and visiting diasporans, while the watchful eye of Barack Obama gazed from ubiquitous billboards.