Maitisong, a torchbearer for the arts
Dumisani Ncube | Wednesday September 28, 2016 15:37
The formation of Maitisong in 1986 has helped with the preservation of arts, culture, and heritage through different activities such as workshops, theatrical plays, cultural and heritage festivals.
Maitisong has been viewed as the hub of theatrical live performances due to the consistency and a state of the art theatre dubbed the Maitisong theatre which has gone on to host a number of festivals that range from musical, theatrical, comedy and dance.
The founding director David Slater conceptualised the inaugural Maitisong Festival that took place in 1987. The festival has turned out to be one of the most successful events in the country despite facing financial struggles. The festival further wanted to position Botswana as a cultural destination for people wanting to appreciate Botswana’s culture.
“Maitisong has built careers of many artists, contributed to the growth of theatre groups, choirs and pioneered stand-up comedy in Botswana. We are proud to have been able to offer rehearsal and performance space, training and sustenance for a lot of artists who survive on their talent. Looking back, we have led the industry by example embracing young people through supporting the talent search project My African Dream. We look back with pride to say Maitisong has played a significant role and we want to continue doing so even beyond the 50-years. I believe economic diversification of Botswana lies within the creative industries,” Maitisong director Gao Lemmenyane said. He stated that Maitisong was established with the objective to serve Maru-a-Pula School and the community at large with cutting edge arts and culture activities.
Maitisong has gone on to reach out different underprivileged communities through initiatives such as the Old Naledi Outdoor Festival, which aims to take the festival to people who may not have a chance or resources to watch paying shows at Maitisong Festival.
The current offspring’s from Maitisong are the likes of poet Leshie Lovesong, dancer Tumisang Baatshwana and an all rounder entertainer Bambino. Maitisong has hosted a big number of local and international artists who have played a role in grooming upcoming talent.
However it has not been a smooth road for Maitisong as it has been facing a number of financial hiccups in the past years.
“Funding is an issue. With no funding no activities are possible. The perception that Maitisong is inaccessible to locals has created inhibitions for the many people who may want to participate in the arts,” Lemmenyane said.
“Let us enjoy this big golden jubilee responsibly. Have a moment to reflect on your contribution to peace and nation building. Culture is one great commodity, which could profile Botswana internationally, and economic diversification success lies in the creative industries. Masego le matlhogonolo go mongwe le mongwe yoo mo lefatsheng la Botswana. May they stay blessed as we look forward to another 50-years of peace and prosperity. Pula Betsho,” Lemmenyane said.