12 Oct 2023

 Four talented local performing artistes from Rocks Productions are appealing to sponsors to aid them following their selection to showcase their play titled, A Dream at the Abuja International Theatre Festival and Awards (ABITFA 2023).

The ABITFA 2023 festival themed Performing Arts, Peace building and the Society is scheduled to take place in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory from October 31 to November 5.

The festival celebrate diversity, share cultures and experiences, and promote peaceful co-existence all over the world, through theatre.

Launching the play at the Museum’s little theatre on Tuesday the Writer and Artistic Director, Edward Moroka, in an interview said the play was conveying a powerful message about the significance of resolving conflicts through peaceful negotiations rather than resorting to devastating wars.

To make the ABIFTA invitation successful, Moroka said they were looking for sponsors to support this peace-making cause portrayed by Batswana actors.

“As the creatives we are trying to convey the message of peace through performing arts therefore we were asking for support so that we are able to honour the invitation in Nigeria,” he said.

Moroka said the invitation was an opportunity for Batswana actors to showcase their talent on an international platform

The exceptional performances by Kabelo Mojuta, Thabo Tlhaolang, Tlotlo Direnyane and Boitumelo Onaleeng portrayed the characters of soldiers, emphasising the role they fulfil in safeguarding their respective nations.

Throughout the scenes they illustrate their daily acts of courage and sacrifice therefore educating the audience to appreciate the vital duties undertaken by soldiers.

In one of the scenes that unfolded was when one soldier was confronted by his wife, urging him to abandon his profession.

However, he refused, enlightening her about the significance of his job of protecting their country.

The play also shed the light on the realities of war and the intense combat experienced by soldiers. It portrayed the struggles soldiers face and the use of weapons in their attempt to overcome the enemy.One remarkable aspect of the performance was the portrayal of a summit of peace talks in Botswana. In this scene, the actors assumed the roles of three country presidents, with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana serving as the mediator. Additionally, a United Nations representative emphasised the significance of resolving conflicts through peaceful negotiations.

Also in the scene there was the presence of presidents who had been involved in wars.

The aim of the discussion was to encourage these leaders to abandon warfare and instead engage in dialogue to address their differences, ultimately benefitting their respective nations and the global community.

During the panel discussion, the importance of peace talks (as it’s said in Setswana in the phrase "ntwa kgolo ke ya molomo") was emphasised.

This play showcased a quality that Botswana has long been distinguished for, which is its commitment to peace.  

This theme resonated throughout the play, reminding the audience of the nation's esteemed reputation.

In the play, they also cite former President Festus Mogae who advanced peace talks in South Sudan. Ends