Dramatist Gape hails pal and mentor Keitumele

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Wednesday May 19, 2010 00:00

 

Many would be happy to learn that the two men have a long theatre history. In fact, Keitumele was Gape's mentor and according to him (Gape), it was a dream come true when they finally started working together on the popular drama. By his own admission, Gape has always liked the limelight and often enjoyed playing Jesus during the primary school dramas because he would be sure to be the centre of attraction.

The 29-year-old from Ramotswa, credits Keitumele for his acting skills. He has revealed to Showbiz that while still at Baitlotli Junior Secondary School, Keitumele, who was already studying at Kagiso Senior Secondary School, used to coach him and that the two of them just clicked and have been great pals ever since. 'He was my role model, he was very popular in Ramotswa for his acting skills and though this dream of ever appearing on television seemed remote, I just felt inspired by his acting. I was then lucky to get a chance to work under him during those days and learnt much in the process and when he invited me to do Ntsoro le Toki I was excited as it meant he had seen something special in me because he picked me from a group,' Gape told Showbiz. After featuring in Ntsoro le Toki, Gape's skills were recognised beyond our borders and in 2005 he was invited for auditions by famous South African playwright and producer Mbongeni Ngema, for a play that was scheduled to tour South Africa for two months before going abroad.

However, although he claimed to have landed a role in the theatre production, Gape was unable to fulfil his dream due to some personal problems back home. But that did not dampen his spirits, as his passion for theatre remained intact and has since become a voice trainer at Maruapula School, Gaborone. 'Since 2005 between the months of January and March I work as voice trainer at Maruapula and it helps me focus and improve my skills while at the same time I impart some skills to our students,' he said confidently.

Gape has no formal training in acting though he would have wanted to go to school to horn his skills, so he has to rely on his experience to reach the zenith of his career. 'I am confident of doing better, but training has always been crucial in any field.

However, in this situation you only improvise and follow those ahead of you keenly so that you improve,' he said philosophically. Gape has dedicated his life to theatre - his life revolves around it and he has decided to make it his livelihood. Together with his friends Kitso Masi and Mpho Rabotsima, they have a theatre company called Mama Theatre, which is aimed at unearthing young talent and offering a platform for exposure.

Already, the company has helped put bread on his table, as he has no other means of survival. For the past four years the company has won the tender to organise the BOTA Annual Arts Competition and Gape is hopeful they would continue to impress and win again this year. Despite the busy schedule Gape and Keitumele had made time for their brainchild and are planning to release the drama's Part Four by the end of winter. 'Ntsoro le Toki has grown and there was no way we could desert it. The two of us could be focusing on this and that but we would make time to go and take it further because it is a continuing story,' he said.