Rabbi Prince Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr., Ed.D. is a distinguished Liberian playwright, theatre director, educator, author, and cultural advocate. Widely celebrated as “Liberia’s Shakespeare,” his career spans over five decades dedicated to arts, education, and national unity.
Quick Profile
- Born: 1954, Liberia (Celebrated his Platinum Jubilee/70th birth anniversary in 2024)
- Legacy Title: “Liberia’s Shakespeare”
- Primary Focus: Using performing and visual arts for peace, reconciliation, and cultural awareness.
The Origin of a Legacy: The nickname “Liberia’s Shakespeare” was given to him early on by Mrs. Dolly McCritty-Massaquoi, an elementary school teacher who prophetically wrote to him: “Congratulations, Joe. I foresee your becoming the ‘Shakespeare’ of Liberia.”
Background & Education
Dr. Gbaba’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to both world literature and specialized African educational curriculum development.
Early Schooling
- Barracks Union School at BTC
- Daniel E. Howard Elementary
- Newport Street Elementary
- St. Philomena’s Catholic Mission School (Zwedru) — Valedictorian
- Carroll High School (Grassfield, Yekepa, Nimba County) — Class of 1974
Higher Education
- B.A. in English Literature (French Minor) | University of Liberia, Liberia College (1980)
- M.F.A. in Drama (Directing & Acting) | University of North Carolina at Greensboro (1983)
- M.Sc.Ed. in Elementary & Special Education | St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia (2002)
- Ed.D. in Afrocentric Curriculum Development & Textbook Production | St. Joseph’s University (2009)
- Dissertation: “The Chiandeh Afrocentric Curriculum and Textbook Experience”
Arts & Cultural Impact
Dr. Gbaba began his playwright career at the age of 20 while still a high school senior, focusing his narratives heavily on national integration.
Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (DATI)
Founded by Dr. Gbaba at the University of Liberia in 1977, DATI has grown from a university theater group into a prominent nonprofit organization now based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- The Mission: Actively utilizing the performing and visual arts as a vehicle for peace, reconciliation, national unity, and structural cultural awareness.
- Major Productions:
- Life Story of Kekula (or Love Story of Kekula) [1974]: Written, directed, and produced during his senior year at Carroll High, exploring themes of national unification.
- Chains of Apartheid: A landmark production performed for West African heads of state in both Monrovia and Freetown.
- The Minstrel’s Tales [1992]: Staged at the historic Centennial Memorial Pavilion.
- Notable Venues: DATI’s productions have been showcased on prestigious stages across West Africa and the United States, including:
- The Executive Mansion Theatre (Monrovia)
- The State House (Freetown)
- The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art (Washington, D.C.)
- The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts (Maryland)
