Magakwa Youth Development Centre specialises in preserving and sharing knowledge of Setswana Cultural through indigenous art. This play is part of that work and aims to bring the performing arts closer to children and youth, as well as to teach them the importance of their culture. This is crucial in terms of preserving the culture, especially when one considers it is the least promoted culture in South Africa.
This production narrates the journey of Kgosi Malope, King of the Batswana Tribe, between the years 1400 and 1700. He is believed to be the founder of the Tswana Tribe and was the father of 3 sons, Kwena, Ngwato, and Ngwaketse, and a daughter (first born), Mohurutshe. Over the course of the production, one learns how conflict between the siblings lead to the formation of the major Batswana Tribes.
The production educates while telling the story, through the use of music, dance, traditional clothing, and language.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Written and Directed by Lame Pilato
Music by Lame Pilato
Choregraphed by Lerato Rabolele
Actors:
Mpho Mzima
Sonwabile Nqixo
Kabelo Mpete
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
KABELO SAMUEL MPETE
Kabelo Samuel Mpete was born in 1991, and is the second son of his parents. He lives with his mother who is a single parent, and his two young brothers. His mother is unemployed, and his brothers are still studying. He has performed in several plays, including BANA KE BOKAMOSO, MY HERITAGE, PEOPLE OF THE DURO, MAMA, WRONG OFFRAMP, RADICAL CHANGE, REMINING OUR LAND, BASEBENZI, GHOICES, THE PICTURE, EMGHODINI, OMPHILE OMPHI MODISE, GASE LORATO,CASE 619, and LAPHUMILANGA. These were all written and directed by Stanley Letebele. He has also performed in MALOPE INDEGENOUS THEATRE PLAY by Lame Pilato Selemogwe.
In addition to theatre, he has appeared in a number of films, including LIFE COVER, by Thapelo Segone, NEIGHBOURING, written and directed by Stanley Letebele, and HOW I MET MAJITA, written and directed by Kagiso Mogale.
He has facilitated drama and fashion design programmes in schools including Rauwane Sepeng High, Barelwanedi Primary, and Sunrise View Primary school. He has done stage management at the Bothakga Arts Festival, Malope Indigenous Theatre Production and Segaetsho Dynasty.
MPHO GAT MZIMA
Mpho Gat Mzima was born in 1989. He was the only child of his mother who passed away in 1998. He has never met his father and lives with his aunt, uncle, 8 cousins and 1 niece. His aunt is the only employed family member.
He has performed in several plays, including BANA KE BOKAMOSO, MY HERITAGE, PEOPLE OF THE DURO, MAMA, MALALAPIPE, WRONG OFF RAMP, RADICAL CHANGE, REMINING OUR LAND, ABASEBENZI, EMGHODINI, MARANGRANG, NEIGHBOURING, OMPHILE OMPHI MODISE,CHOICES, MARU, GASE LORATO, ABSA CSI,ESKOM ZERO HARM, THE VOICE, CASE 619, all written and directed by Stanley Letebele. He also performed in THE HORN, written and directed by Tshepo Makinita, and MALOPE INDiGENOUS THEATRE PLAY, written and directed by Lame Pilato Selemogwe.
He has performed in various films, including MANONG (MZANSI MAGIC), and TOXIC, both written and directed by Kopano Molokoane, Dimpho, written and directed by Kea Malao, and NEIGHBOURING, by Stanley Letebele.
He has facilitated drama content at Legae Arts Institution, as well as dance and djing programmes at Sunrise View Primary School. He has a Certificate of Commitment in Arts from the Lethabong Youth Forum.
Lerato Rabolele
Lerato Rabolele was born in a rural village called Uitkyk in the North West Province in 1994. She started dancing while attending Tlhabane Bosabosele Primary. She was part of the traditional dance group there, as well as the school choir. She started her semiprofessional acting and dancing career in 2003 at Legae Arts Institution.
Performed at Grahamstown Arts Festival, a play called Beyond Childlessness, written and
directed by Mr. Stanley Letebele
MAJOR PERFOMANCES
Performed at Botswana 50,Independence Day Celebration 2014,Gaborone
Performed at Segwana sa ngwao traditional dance and music festival held at Masunga, Botswana
Performed at Mphebatho Museum official opening
Performed at COSAFA CUP opening, Moruleng Stadium
Performed at Tourism Indaba at Durban icc under Mphebatho Museum
Performed at Indoni Miss Cultural SA Finals at Durban ICC IN 2015
Performed for Dept. of Arts and Culture(relaunching of Nelson Mandela museum and reopening of Bhunga Building) at Eastern Cape, Mthatha