Describing herself as “a small fish” in a big industry, the actress and theatre performer Anne Marie Ahene-Affoh, is the creative star of the show today. Realizing her childhood dream for the big screens, the theatre graduate, now performer has starred in some exceptional live productions and TV shows; Meditation, Makola Queens Inspector Bediako, Honeymoon & Virtual Prison, and is gradually making a name for herself

Spark in conversation with Anne-Marie. Full interview below

(Responses have been edited for length and clarity) – All images courtesy of Anne Marie

Spark: Hi Anne Marie, can you tell us about yourself and creative work?

AM: Anne Marie is a someone who has great passion for the arts, specifically film and theatre. A passion that developed from childhood – watching more Hollywood productions like the Disney channel (and not so much of Ghanaian movies) hoping to become like those I saw on TV. 

AM: That pretty much got me studying performing Arts – Theatre in the University of Cape Coast. Focusing more on writing, acting and directing. Right now most of my creative work focuses on acting, trying to get my name out there in the industry.

Spark: How important was it for you studying theatre arts in UCC? How did it shape your approach to acting?

AM: You know! Theatre wasn’t even my original plan, it was a film. I ended up choosing theatre hoping to do both in UCC but I didn’t get the chance to do so as much as I wanted to. However, theatre did change the way I acted because acting on screen is much different from acting on stage. With stage plays, you have to exaggerate most of the acting. 

AM: The department helped a lot as well, I had really great acting teachers. Although our department was small and the actors were few, we were made to handle different roles in a lot of plays. And this shaped the way you act because by the end of school, I had played so many characters – man, woman, foreign roles etc. I feel like this will make me a better actor in the industry because of the lengths we went through in just 4 years – so many lines to read, the characterization, the stress of it all – I think is quite different from the average person taking on acting for the fun of it. 

Spark: What was your favourite in all the stage performances you did? Why did you relate to the role so much? 

AM: Uhm! There was a play I did outside of Academics, I think it was called Honeymoon. It was a role for a production company to play the character of an African American – a foreign bride who got married to a black man, set in a hotel. Since I love doing accents, the director heard me once, and wrote this role just for me. The play was so much fun so it felt like I didn’t have to do too much, speaking with an accent, being silly and dramatic. It was so much fun because I got to be myself on stage, which is what made it one of my favourites. 

AM: I did a play last year, November called Meditation. That was also fun and one of my favourites as well. It was a bunch of friends who came together to make a play about the youth and their experiences with weed. It was a full theatre experience; acting, dancing and some elements of singing in it. I also got to make so many friends.

Spark: Talking of after school, how hard (or easy) has it been getting scouted for roles?

AM: It has been a little hard because the industry is becoming somewhat popular. More people are at auditions now and sometimes not getting the roles because there are so many talented people. But I’d say it’s been half and half – not too hard and not too easy. I’ve ended up meeting some influential people who have seen my passion and call me for roles when it’s available. With the network I’ve built, I know I will be casted for roles with certain directors. 

Spark: But Are you doing anything on your own to push yourself (like content creation)

AM: I am. I’m thinking of writing a short film and getting some help with directing it. Apart from that I do a bit of content – mostly lip sync, acting Tiktok. But for a while I wasn’t getting a break to do so many things because I have projects piled up – 2 this July alone. So not too much but enough for me to get by. 

Spark: Any teaser on your upcoming projects 

AM: Yes! End of July we have a play called Guilty or Not – which is part of a 5 year old project on mental health issues. This current one is on Suicide and it talks about a character who is going through so much and whether or not he should be allowed to take his own life. 

Its showing at the National Theatre Folks Place on the 31st of July, 2024

Spark: What do you think about Ghana’s Theatre industry?

AM: Realistically speaking Uncle Ebo White really has paved a way for the Ghanaian theatre industry – these days people pay more attention to theatre. Others like April Communications, Image Brew and Latifa Abubakar are also trying to make a shift in the industry. I am glad that they are doing it now when I can also make a mark.

AM: We still have a long way to go. So many people have their stories to share but unfortunately aren’t given the opportunity to tell them. Lower levels don’t stand a chance since they are not so popular in the industry. But I believe we are still in the beginning stages of the industry. 

Spark: Will you remain an actor when you get the opportunity to take on more writing and directing roles?

AM: Oh yes, I don’t think I can give up acting that easily. I find it so enjoyable. I may definitely take on more writing, directing and production roles. Maybe I might not do it as much but it’s too enjoyable for me to let it go. It’s part of me now!

Spark: Before we let you go, can you share some insights on the creative choices of a Theatre Performer? 

AM: Okay! For a theatre actor these are some of the basic things you should have; 

  • Confidence because being nervous will show in your performances
  • Networking – it’s advisable to leave every theatre set with at least one person knowing your name
  • Expect anything as a theatre actor. Roles and lines changing last minutes
  • Never grow tired of improving. Take acting classes, rehearsals and critiques correctly
  • Every role you take on must make you proud and not something you’ll regret in some years. Don’t follow desperation and do just anything. Know Your Worth!

Spark: Thank you so much for taking time to do this interview

AM: Thank you too. I hope this interview truly helped you

Currently one of the best ways to contact me is through Snapchat and Instagram.