Master and protg clash at Makgaolakgang 2016

8057,Dumisani Ncube,php79F5.tmp.jpg, | Thursday May 5, 2016 00:00

Makgaolakgang Theatre Challenge is an annual event whereby two theatrical ensembles compete and a winner is chosen. The objective of the event is to raise funds to conduct art workshops around the country. This time around the workshops will take place in all the 57 constituencies in the country.

Andrew Kola, a former student to Tsoga Africa’s leader Gabriel Modise, heads Mophato Dance Theatre. It is a master versus student affair. However the tricky part is that the two ensembles have different styles of performances. Mophato Theatre Dance is a dance ensemble while Tsoga Africa is more into dialogue theatre. It promises to be a challenging and interesting battle.

“We will have to approach it in a different manner since it is a competition. Our approach will be different from how we usually perform,” said Kola.

He hinted that Mophato Dance Theatre will stage a new production but he did not want to get into the details noting that it is a surprise and he did not want to spoil it since they will be competing.

Kola said their production will consist of 20 dancers on stage. He however noted that the competition will be on a different level since Mophato Dance Theatre is a theatrical dance ensemble and their rivals are more into dialogue theatre.

“We urge the audience to come and experience something new that will blow their minds off,” said Kola.

Meanwhile, Modise is looking forward to the Saturday gig stating that his ensemble will stage a competitive fight to come up tops in the competition.

Modise did not want to hint much on what Tsoga Africa will stage stating that he does not want spill the beans. “You should expect a thriller encounter,” he added.The Tsoga Africa leader admitted that the competition will be challenging since the two ensembles focus on two different forms of art. “It will reveal a lot of weaknesses and opportunities for the two ensembles,” he said.

Modise openly admitted that he is excited to be battling it out with his former protégé, Kola. As of now it is not confirmed if Kola and Modise will be on stage since they both focus on directing and producing for their ensembles.

The two ensembles have previously staged some impressive works in their respective performances.

Winners will be chosen by the audience that will be randomly selected to be the judges during the Makgaolakgang competition. Tickets for the event are available at Maitisong Theatre and they range from P 150 to P500.