Maitisong festival is back
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Friday April 13, 2018 13:06
The festival, once again is expected to bring brilliant homebrewed and international shows to provide an unforgettable experience for all. According to a press release from Maitisong, there will be free and paid shows and workshops to ensure that everyone gets a piece of the action.
“For this year’s festival, the theme is Lore lo Ojwa lo Sa Le Metsi. Our focus is on supporting young, local artists. Through the festival, we will provide them with a platform to highlight their talents, with the aim of playing our part in nurturing our creative arts industry,” Maitisong director, Tefo Paya said.
He said in previous years, the festival’s themes have sought to encourage the development of the arts by embedding an attitude of professionalism within artists, facilitating networking opportunities amongst artists, and training artists in the business of the arts. However, this year’s theme seeks to improve on previous years by focusing on support for the industry as a whole.
The press release goes on to highlight that the creative arts industry can be a viable and major contributor towards the country’s economy. It notes that one way of ensuring this contribution is by investing in the youth, who will become major players within the industry. It says that will facilitate the ideal growth and further development of the arts as a viable economic sector.
Billed to perform at this year’s festival are performers from across the African continent, including Botswana, South Africa and Namibia. The festival will be headlined by an exciting line-up of vibrant musicians and dancers. They include Motswako sensation Dramaboi, RnB songstress Samantha Mogwe, Master DJ LaTimmy, musical duo Katlego ‘Seiko’ Ntirang and Jordan Moozy, and dancers Samantha Claire, Tatyana Makuku, Galaletsang Mosweu and Thato Sebonego.
The festival programme has something for everyone, with a varied selection of poetic and curious dance pieces; poignant, unforgettable plays; breathtaking, dynamic concerts and humorous comedic acts. It will also include numerous workshops focused on mentoring, training and inspiring the youth.
From Monday to Friday mornings there would be a dedicated youth programme, which includes a performing arts camp where participants can get involved in drama, dance, voice and music workshops. These will focus on teenagers with a desire to be involved in the performing arts.
This year’s venues are Maru-a-Pula Moving Space, Maitisong and Thapong Visual Arts Centre. Maru-a-Pula and Maitisong continue to be the home of the festival, hosting numerous theatre shows and the opening and closing nights. Thapong Visual Arts Centre continues its partnership with Maitisong, hosting a variety of music and dance shows. The uniqueness of these venues provides flexibility, easy access and convenience. The tickets for shows range from P50 to P200 from Maitisong and all Webtickets outlets nationwide. Paid workshops are P100 per session or P350 for the week including refreshments.
Students with valid student cards and mature and elderly art lovers have a chance to save with discounted rates. Block bookings are also available at a discount.