Lack of musical equipment haunts Moratiwa
Dumisani Ncube | Friday June 16, 2017 16:09
Moratiwa The Musical, which was launched late last year is a musical play directed by jazz maestro, Socca Moruakgomo. It focuses mainly on tradition, culture, woman and child protection.
It is a 20-cast member and 10-piece band set to go on tour next month.
The ensemble was supposed to go on a national tour in April, but lack of musical equipment held them back.
“Without the equipment there is little that we can do because this is a musical production, which tells the story through music and each scene has a way it is portrayed musically,” noted Moruakgomo, who pleaded with public and private sectors to assist them with acquiring the equipment.
The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng recently sponsored the ensemble with costumes for the cast, “We can’t separate the band from the cast, we really appreciate what the ministry did for us, but we also need equipment”.
He vividly noted that it is impossible to go on tour without the equipment. The ensemble had previously hired equipment for performances last year but Moruakgomo stated that since this is a national tour they need their own tools.
Through his various connections internationally Moruakgomo stated that European producers including Sarafina producers have an intention to come to Botswana to watch Moratiwa during the tour so they can see how they can take the play to Europe.
“With such developments how do we even present the musical to the visitors because we do not have music equipment to stage the full production. We are not necessarily saying give us money but we just need equipment”.
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.
The ensemble will be regrouping next month to prepare for the tour. They had been preparing for the tour since the beginning of the year, but had to go on a break in April due to lack of resources.
Upon completing the nationwide tour Moruakgomo noted that they would be engaging in an international tour, which is still in the pipeline.
Moruakgomo noted that proper practice ensures quality production. Prior to its launch last year in September the ensemble had to undergo eight months of practice. The Moratiwa ensemble has previously toured South Africa. Last year the play was also staged at Maitisong Theatre during the President’s Day 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.