Thato Dennison: A rising star

Ralph Thato Dennison has amazing talent and is not showing any signs of slowing down soon.This Gaborone-born lad is steadily establishing a name for himself as a performer of repute in the performing arts, theatre and choral music industry.

Dennison, aged 29, was born in Gaborone and spent most of his childhood days on the streets of White City. He discovered his love for theatre while in his final year of high school at St Joseph's College and has pursued this passion ever since. "It's actually very funny because it all started as a joke. There was a trip to Swaziland and we all wanted to go, not for performances but just for a joy ride. One Sister Boitumelo was tasked with ensuring  we were all ready for the performance in Swaziland. As we stood in line, I mimicked the guy who was next to me. I never thought it was really funny but whatever I did must have been good because I impressed her enough to be chosen," Dennison says.  That incident sparked his interest in theatre and performing arts. After graduating from St Joseph's, he joined a church youth group where his talent was nurtured.  Later, he joined Gaborone Choral, which consisted of the youth and some older members.

"From Gaborone Choral alongside Andy Batshogile and others, we founded Sedibeng Choir," he said. Dennison says that in the first two years of establishing Sedibeng Choir, he performed a solo alongside Jo'burg Live Orchestra which was also Sedibeng Choir's first international performance.Dennison says he then decided to explore his other talents and moved onto performing arts. He has played roles in David Slater's Pirates of Penzance and Mikado, as well as Stuart White's Bye Bye Birdy and Annie: There's No Business Like Show Business.He has also featured in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which has been running at Maitisong Theatre.  Dennison pays tribute to his mother who he said, despite her initial opposition to his career choice, mentored him when she realised his determination. He says his most prized memory in theatre is of a performance in front of over 1,000 people in London who gave him a standing ovation at the end of the play: "I was so overwhelmed that when I gave my last bow I cried.

Editor's Comment
Women unite for progress

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