Emotions were running high and low among spectators in a classroom at Tsogang Primary School on Saturday where three drama groups performed different plays at the Gaborone North music and arts competition. Stories of an abusive husband who attacks his wife in full view of their children, a young boy who turns into a gangster stealing cellular phones from vulnerable women before raping them, and parents who suppress children's stage talents where the children are driven to devious activities, which land them in jail - these can make even those with a heart of steel shed a tear. But it was not just the gory scenes, which made former victims re-live their fateful period of life all over again while making those who have been "lucky" to tremble to their knees, imagining themselves in similar situations. There was laughter and ululation as the actors displayed skill and passion in their depiction of what goes on in contemporary Botswana society. Dikgeleke Theatre Group kicked off the event with a scintillating performance of their play, Re A Sha Re A Tuka. It was a story of two children who were left orphaned after their father murdered their mother in a jealous fit before hanging himself in panic. The two, left with an abusive female relative, live a life of living hell. At one stage they are viciously attacked for stealing sugar and made to undertake chores beyond their age and ability in the yard.
Like many other orphans, the girl makes that terrible mistake of falling for the whims of a wealthy and pompous married man. In no time she falls pregnant. The brother is shocked at the discovery and demands that they go and confront the 'sugar daddy', but they get more than they bargained for when they are thrown out like filth.Their abusive "host" catches them discussing the matter and immediately throws them out. They are left with no option but to turn to scavenging. As if their troubles were not enough, the young girl visits a sangoma who offers to help 'uproot' the unwanted pregnancy, but it all backfires. After a few days in hospital the orphaned girl dies, leaving the brother all alone in "this cruel world".
