‘I’m Sorry Mr President’ returns to Maitisong
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday October 13, 2025 06:00
A Day Before Execution “I’m Sorry Mr. President” showcased at Maitisong Theatre-Maru-A-Pula School, on Tuesday evening. The 1-hour 20-minute production evokes all kinds of emotions. It is an eye-opening story that touches on different social ills affecting people daily. The play was a powerful, gripping story-telling, heart-wrenching stories of GBV performed by five experienced strong women in theatre, whose encounters with gender-based violence (GBV), rape, and drugs, led them to the death row.
Through this poignant production, the production team shone a light on the shadowy corners of society and demanded an end to the suffering. The production ignited audiences’ soul and challenged their perspective on issues affecting society daily. A Day before Execution, “I’m sorry, Mr President” was not just a play but also a call to action.
One of the highlights of the drama is the story of Zoro, a man who was in love with a soldier and had children with another man while dating the soldier. When the soldier confronted her, she told him that the children he had been supporting all along were not his. Even though the couple talked things out, thinking everything was okay, the soldier forgave her, but she killed him in his sleep because she wanted to continue dating other men. In the play, all four prisoners told their stories as to why they ended up in prison and asked for forgiveness from the President, each giving reasons as to why they committed their crimes.
According to the production director, Edward Moroka, it was through fascinating storytelling that the production challenged perspectives, honoured the resilience of survivors, and shone a light on the harsh realities of gender-based violence against survivors. He added that the production evoked change through community theatre and advocates for a world free from violence.
“The same production has been invited to participate in the Nigeria-Abuja International Theatre Festival from November 4th to 9th, 2025. The Maitisong performance is part of fundraising to make the trip to Abuja a success. Rocks Productions is an arts hub based in Mma Masire, Gaborone West. We are made up of experienced and qualified management, the performers are talented, energetic, and versatile,” he said.
Moroka added that they use theatre as a tool to educate and entertain through the use of culture and performing arts. He also said they encouraged cultural exchange both in Botswana and across the world. Starring in the drama were Kgomotso Ratsie, who played Double Diff, Lady Tlhowe playing Zoro, Keba Modise playing Covidl, Nkabe Kedumele playing Gladiator, and Atlang Gabaratiwe playing JCB.