Long road ahead for theatre industry
Dumisani Ncube | Friday April 29, 2016 13:40
Most theatre production companies are not fully active, because of limited platforms to showcase their productions with most of them only getting the opportunity through festivals such as the President’s competitions and Maitisong festival.
Sky Blue Dance Hub creative director Tumisang Baatshwana and Kele Mogotsi who had had a long stint in Hollywood, both recently opened up about how they both view the state of the theatre industry in the country and how it can be developed.
“There is definite growth in the industry that has taken place over the past few years. Government, particularly through the Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture has taken an active interest in theatre, incorporating it in its various projects. For example, the Africa Youth Game (AYG) had a large element of theatre and of course, the President’s Competitions which also challenge actors, directors, scriptwriter and composers,” stated Baatshwana when defining the current state of the theatre industry.
Various events have given the theatre industry a platform to exhibit its products with production companies such as Mophato being invited to a number of events to entertain audiences.
With such developments taking place, the theatre industry has mostly been active in the capital city as there is lack of resources in other parts of the country.
Baatshwana foresees a long road ahead for the theatre industry to fully develop, “The industry will also mature slowly because currently progress is mnimal while the growth is only in one area.
Other artists lack the exposure, she bemoaned. Consequently, she observed, those in Gaborone will always be given preference for performances and employment opportunities.”
Baatshwana and Mogotsi agree that there is a missing link within the local theatre industry despite certain developments and growth that are taking place.
Mogotsi mentioned that theatre industry players should be more vocal, active and produce more, which will create the demand for more resources, especially with government active involvement. “Well, as the industry grows and becomes more commercialised and organised, it’ll automatically become active as more stakeholders come in. For example, casting offices will spring up, certified agencies will come up too and training establishments for actors,” Mogotsi said.
Mogotsi said actors and scriptwriters must be consistent and not lose hope. She said they must focus on producing more plays and sensitise people about them till they grab their attention.
Although recognising the achievements made so far, Baatshwana said the local industry is lacking a number of elements such as funding, insufficient training, development, lack of knowledge by controlling bodies, stakeholders, collaborations between local with international practitioners.
“Botswana needs to learn from other countries and apply the tools used there but ensuring that they are adjusted to the local market”.
Mophato is one of the few troupes that have managed to have collaborations with international theatre houses with the latest one being a collabo with Simba Dance Ensemble from Norway on a theatrical dance play titled Shinga scheduled for Bergen Afro Arts Festival (BAAF) in May this year.
Theatre audience volumes are low as evidenced by last week’s attendance of a play entitled Baratani- The Hill of Lovers at Maitisong theatre where the room was half full, way below the attendance of musical or comedy performances. “It’s simply because there are people who are not exposed to theatre. Some schools do not have drama, music or dance classes and in their communities, there is still no access to it.
The children grow up not being exposed to theatre. Why then, when they’re older would they choose to attend and experience something they do not understand?
The solution is to take theatre to the people instead of always expecting patronage from them because in that way, it will always be the same people that attend,” Baatshwana mentioned. With the recently held Maitisong Festival taking place, a number of theatre productions were staged with local production Born Around Here receiving popular acclaim at the festival.