Maitisong Festival Featured Shows – Moratiwa: An African Tragedy Musical

Friday, 13th April, 8pm and Saturday, 14th April, 11am. Tickets: P150 / P75 (students / pensioners) / Block bookings available

Produced & Directed By: Socca Moruakgomo

Languages: Setswana & English

Age Restriction: All

Running Time: 120 minutes (2 hours)

In the early 1980s, residents of Xamshiko, Botswana met with their leaders and police officials at the Kgotla (Setswana word for court) to discuss the case of Gaone, a missing girl whose case was dismissed after her files disappeared. The case was of great concern to the residents because, allegedly, top officials in the village were responsible for a recent upsurge in ritualistic killings in the area.

Students of Xamshiko began to strike, joined by college and university students in Gaborone. At the invitation of the Botswana Government, Scotland Yard carried out investigations. Sadly, to this day, the public is unaware of the results of the investigations, despite promises from the Government to publish them. This lack of information leaves a hole in the heart of Botswana.

Through narration and song, this story brings Gaone’s tragic death and the practice of ritualistic killing to light. Performed by a cast of twenty-six members comprised of singers, dancers, and actors. A nine-piece band accompanies the cast to complete the ensemble.