Moratiwa the musical tours Botswana
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday March 16, 2017 15:16
It focuses mainly on tradition, culture, woman and child protection. The 20 cast member and 10 piece band is set to stage over 36 theatrical shows around the country. During the tour the ensemble will stage performances in places such as Gaborone, Mochudi, Mahalapye, Francistown, Palapye, Shakawe, Lobatse, Maun and Ghanzi.
Preparations of the tour are getting intense by the day as the ensemble is undergoing various activities such as mentorship from experts, gym and practice sessions.
Showbiz recently visited the ensemble at a local gym where they were undergoing daily fitness training for body conditioning.
“We have been practicing and preparing for the tour on a daily basis. I would like to believe that the cast is mentally ready for the tour as we are set to perform in different places.
Some of them will be back to back performances. We will also facilitate workshops in the various places that we will stage performances,” Moruakgomo said.
He noted that by judging through the preparations the ensemble is fit to deliver a world class performance. The ensemble has been preparing for the tour since the beginning of the year.
The tour will kick start in Gaborone where the ensemble will stage performances in schools, community halls and Maitisong Festival before they perform outside the capital city.
“As part of our preparations we have been engaging in various disciplines such as fitness training for the cast to stay healthy, focused and disciplined. I always invite industry experts to come mentor the young cast. I have previously invited Makalo Mofokeng who I worked with some years back during the Sarafina production in Europe.”
Upon completing the nationwide tour Moruakgomo noted that they would be engaging in an international tour, which is still in the pipeline.
The theatrical ensemble comprises of semi seasoned theatre artists that were part of the target 20,000 who underwent short courses in live performances at a local tertiary institution. Also part of the ensemble is stage actor Naledi Thabakgolo who has previously acted on plays such as Born Around Here.
“Part of the plan when creating this play was to help with the issue of unemployment as we got to engage a number of young people to be part of the cast. My aim is to nurture them to be great performers and make a living through live performances,” Moruakgomo said.
Moruakgomo noted that proper practice ensures quality production. Prior to its launch last year in September the ensemble had to undergo an eight-month practice.
The Moratiwa ensemble has previously toured South Africa. Last year the play was also staged at Maitisong Theatre during the President’s concert. The theatrical play is a fusion of dance, dialogue and music.
In the play Moruakgomo performs with a full set band. He has previously been involved in theatre when he toured with the Sarafina ensemble in Europe.