Going Back to My Roots: Carroll High, My Soul Mother!

As Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (DATI) approaches its historic 50th anniversary, its founder and Executive Director, Dr. Rabbi Prince Joseph Tomoonh-Garlodeyh Gbaba, Sr., reflects with gratitude on the institution and community that nurtured his calling to use theatre as a vehicle for cultural preservation, national unity, and peace.

Fifty-two years ago, while as a student at Archbishop Carroll High School in Grassfield on the slopes of Mount Nimba, Dr. Gbaba wrote and staged his first play, Life Story of Kekula, inspired by a profound commitment to celebrate Liberia’s rich heritage and advance the ideals of national integration. The production, performed by fellow students and friends, marked the beginning of a lifelong journey that would culminate in the founding of DATI, one of Liberia’s most enduring cultural institutions.

Dr. Gbaba recalls Carroll High School as a center of academic excellence and vibrant extracurricular life, where clubs devoted to science, music, faith, sports, and service shaped generations of young leaders. It was there that he founded Creating Friendship in Christ (CFC), organized a drama troupe, and discovered the transformative power of storytelling.

Looking ahead to DATI’s golden jubilee, Dr. Gbaba expresses heartfelt appreciation to the LAMCO Family Reunion organizers and all those who shared in the formative experiences of his youth. He eagerly anticipates reconnecting with former classmates, teachers, and friends to celebrate cherished memories and reaffirm their common commitment to preserving Liberia’s cultural legacy for future generations.

DATI 2027 50th Anniversary Calendar Coming up Soon!!!!

Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (DATI) turns 50 next year and to celebrate and commemorate what we have done to promote Liberian history and culture on stage for half a century, we will be selling the 2027 calendar for a small price of $100. If you live out of state and you want a copy, a shipping fee of $5 is required.

The calendar will include photographs and brief summaries of theatrical performances that were produced over the span of five decades. Funds raised will go towards the DATI Performing Arts project in Liberia.

Note that the DATI 2027 50th Anniversary Calendar is not just an ordinary calendar. It is an historical document that you can keep on your living room wall in your home past 2027 to educate and entertain your guests and visitors and to showcase the culture of your home of origin. It is also a humble way to support a worthwhile project and an organization that has stood and still stands with you through thick and thin for 50 years, making sure that your culture and history are preserved!

Purchasing a copy or copies of the DATI 2027 50th Anniversary Calendar is your way of preserving your own history and culture. Please put in your order today through the payment methods below. Please make sure to submit your address and contact number in your request.

1. Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc., P. O. Box 143, Clifton Heights, PA 19018
2. Cashapp: $JosephGbaba, tel. (267) 973-1709.

Dehkontee Artists Theatre at the Ibrahim Theatre, International House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., featuring Joe Gbaba’s “Love for Mymah”, during the 41st Anniversary of Dehkontee Artists Theatre in 2018.

L-R: Andre Minkins, Rabbi Joe Gbaba, Princess Ariminta Gbaba, Prince Jaeden Gbaba, Princess McKenzy Gbaba, Princess Jade Gbaba, Prince Julian Gbaba, Zeze Conie, and Sangay Sheriff (lying on the floor)

Liberian Cultural Icon Dr. Joseph Gbaba to Receive Prestigious LAMCO Family Reunion Recognition Award

By: Victor D Quitee ( DATI Media and Public Relations Officer )

July 2026 – Renowned Liberian playwright, theatre director, actor, scholar, and cultural advocate Dr. Joseph Gbaba, widely known as the Rabbi Joe Gbaba, has been selected as one of the distinguished honorees of the LAMCO Family Reunion 2026, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community service, Liberian arts, and the preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage.The recognition will be presented during the LAMCO Family Reunion Dinner Ball on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. According to an official invitation signed by Mr. Manjameh Corneh, Chairman of the 2026 Reunion Committee, the award honors Dr. Gbaba’s dedication, exceptional service, and the lasting impact he has made in inspiring generations of Liberians.

For Dr. Gbaba, the recognition carries a deeply personal significance adding it’s historic impact and outlining the people of Nimba County, Liberia of his artistic journey, “This invitation is historic in my life and career. The people of Nimba were my very first audience—my artistic first love. To be recognized by the community where my journey began after 52 years is truly a blessing and a divine intervention. I receive this honor with profound gratitude and humility.” the Rabbi said. For more than five decades, Dr. Gbaba has dedicated his life to advancing Liberian theatre, literature, and cultural education. As the Executive Director of Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (DATI), he has remained at the forefront of efforts to preserve, promote, and institutionalize Liberia’s rich cultural heritage through theatre, storytelling, artistic education, and community engagement.

His work has inspired countless young artists and cultural practitioners while advocating for the establishment of sustainable institutions that will ensure Liberia’s traditions, performing arts, and indigenous cultural values are preserved for future generations.The recognition by the LAMCO Family Reunion is widely viewed as a fitting tribute to a man whose life’s work has been dedicated to celebrating Liberian identity through the arts. Receiving such an honor from his roots in Nimba County serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of his contributions both at home and throughout the Liberian diaspora.As preparations continue for the August ceremony, friends, colleagues, former students, artists, and well-wishers have extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Gbaba for this well-deserved recognition.

About Dr. Joseph Gbaba

Dr. Joseph Gbaba is an accomplished Liberian playwright, theatre director, actor, scholar, and cultural preservationist. He is the Executive Director of Dehkontee Artists Theatre, Inc. (DATI) and has spent more than 52 years promoting Liberian culture through theatre, education, research, festivals, and community development initiatives. His vision continues to champion the preservation and institutionalization of Liberia’s cultural heritage for generations to come.

#CultureBuilding #peace #YouthEmpowerment #education #Liberia