Contemporary dance in Botswana wears a single name when it comes to magnificence and scale. Mophato Dance Theatre has returned to the public with a production that – while atouch more minimal than the extravaganza that was ‘Pula’ – reverberates with charm and splendour. Showcasing in Gaborone from 19 – 21 September, ‘Teemane – Our Diamond Story’ is a visual, aural and sonic feast.
Choreographed by the dynamic duo that is Andrew LetsoKola and Kalima Mipata, the production gives an abridged history of the country’s journey from overcoming colonial condescension to the celebration of the rock that has fuelled the country’s economy for over five decades. With PalesaMotshodi as musical director, Star Hezek on costuming, and Katlego Nldovu as the band lead, the production delivers in more ways than one. Masi Hule’s sound engineering meets Motshodi’s orchestrations – executed by a talented 6-piece choir featuring Hydro Molefe – to flood the auditorium with waves of storied song. Intermingled with the dancing, this births theatrical magic.
The cast of 25 individuals continues Kola’s tradition of looking to find avenues for performers from Botswana to access the world. ‘Teemane’ is an evergreen story, based in history and well worth learning. Juby Peacock lends her poetic voice to the production, showing that much as PalesaMolefe shined in ‘Pula’, being a beauty queen isn’t just about looks but talent as well.
In keeping with Mophato’s nature, traditional dance forms are interwoven with contemporary moves. This juxtaposition continues to build a vocabulary that is uniquely from Botswana. Much as the singers proclaim: “selo se mo mmung, se mogare ga majwe”, the production is a trip of discovering that which lies beneath the surface.
Mmantlwaneng Theatre serves as the first home for a production that is set to be the benchmark for how many tell the diamond story of Botswana. Mophato Dance Theatre continues to lead the pack, showing how – even when compressed – dedication and creativity can yield sparkling results.
