KTM and Mophato Amuse With Song and Dance

There is something to be said of an occasion when two established cultural hubs come together. In a time when one’s 15 minutes in the spotlight seems to be a myopic pursuit, the recent collaboration between KTM Choir and Mophato Dance Theatre bodes well for the prospects of Botswana’s cultural landscape. The two entities joined forces under the directorship of Andrew Letso Kola to stage a song and dance spectacular. Titled, “A Re Yeng Botswana,” the show offered audiences a dualistic view to the past and towards the looming future. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type="show" ihc_mb_who="1,2,3,4" ihc_mb_template="3" ] KTM Choir, named after a veritable Motswana legend Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete, has been a staple in the history of Botswana for decades. Now inching towards celebrating 30 years of existence in 2023, the musical outfit continues to resonate with the spirit of the country since its founding in 1993 by the late Gomolemo Motswaledi and his peers. The numerous achievements garnered by the institution and its alumni were lauded in speeches by KTM Board Chair Lorato C. Morapedi and KTM Choir Patron Nonofo E Molefhi. Framing the ideation of the production, Morapedi stated that it was born out of “an effort to expand our offerings” by doing something different that may not be expected. Molefhi, an alumnus of the institution himself, celebrated the long journey that the choir has taken with the country and its people. Having served as the Communications Director when the choir made its maiden appearance in the United States of America in 1993 alongside Gaborone Chorale, Molefhi’s commitment to the choir extends beyond mere appreciation of the melodic utterings it is famed for. On the opening evening of the show’s run, he was quick to remind the audience that the choir had won the gold award at the 2019 European Choir Games in Gothenberg, Sweden. While the pandemic halted capitalising on this achievement on a global scale, Molefhi shared that “A Re Yeng Botswana” served as the choir’s return to glory in preparation for representing Botswana in South Korea in 2023. The hour-long production takes viewers on a journey through the country’s 56-year history, drawing focus to the lives and livelihoods of laypeople in Botswana. The civilian and blue-collar worker costuming donned by the choir grounds this theme as the lights rise to the dancing corps before them. Kola, who is the founder and artistic director of the 15-year old Mophato Dance Theatre company – was joined in the technical team by Terence Dube as music director and producer, Gabriel Modise as dramatisation director, Molefhe Chauke as chorus master, Richard Makwea on piano, and flute by Julukah Modisaoteng. They led the production company of 67 performers. The strong agricultural theme, while expected, was subverted through novel interpretations of familiar songs – showing a certain maturity in the directorial approach. Boipelo Dintwe and Malebogo Setuke’s duet gave the weighty subtext of ‘Mammati’ prime positioning, serving as a baseline for the emotional expedition toward the summit. Along the way, soprano Bonno Tatedi lamented the loss of Sir Seretse Khama as the nation’s leader, supported by a candle-bearing crowd of mourners. Kalima Mipata, assistant choreographer, and Martha Leshetla performed one of the most rousing dance numbers in the production to the great pleasure of the audience. The duet musing on the iconic tale of Otse Hill – commonly known as ‘Lentswe la Baratani’ – captivatingly reminded viewers of the grace and power of professionalised art. If nothing else, this production sought to serve an ambassadorial role for creatives in Botswana as the country works its way out from under the weight of the pandemic. Sadly, Kola notes that “we did this all without any sponsorship or partnerships”, adding that the only profit the production company would be making is based on ticket sales. According to South African theatre expert, Mike van Graan, “the production costs for a 3-4 person play would range from R350 000-R420 000, depending on where it is produced”, leading one to wonder how a production featuring over 67 people could be expected to be staged for profit without financial backing. To this end, while he celebrates the achievement of being strong enough to come back to an industry that seems to have the odds stacked against it, Kola pleaded that “corporates and the government need to get to a point where they set aside specific funding to assist us in doing the work that we do because many of us have to do this part-time while working to pay our bills, and that compromises the quality of our products”. As a prelude to nationwide independence celebrations, Molefhi pronounced that “this is only meant to whet your appetite for what is yet to come”. Needless to say, this collaboration between KTM Choir and Mophato Dance Theatre served as a reminder of the many institutions the nation has that honour the traditions of cultural production. As the final notes of the national anthem, written by K.T. Motsete himself, rang through the Maitisong auditorium, the seeds of pride and honour in being from Botswana were watered by the very drops of rain summoned in the closing cry, “Pula!” [/ihc-hide-content]

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KTM and Mophato Amuse With Song and Dance

The hour-long production takes viewers on a journey through the country’s 56-year history, drawing focus to the lives and livelihoods of laypeople in Botswana

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KTM and Mophato Amuse With Song and Dance

The hour-long production takes viewers on a journey through the country’s 56-year history, drawing focus to the lives and livelihoods of laypeople in Botswana

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