The Company@Maitisong
The Company@Maitisong was first formed in 2002 when then HOD for Drama at Maru-a-Pula, Warren Nebe, saw it fit to organise students outside of the classroom to do holistic and adventurous theatre work. It was felt that there was a need to have a resident theatre company at Maitisong which would create professional work in collaboration with other local professionals.
The 2004 Grahamstown Festival touring debut original production, created by The Company in collaboration with Ramotswa’s Mama Theatre, was ’Sephiri Se Dule’, a contemporary play centred around the so called passion killings that ravaged the country at the time. It was followed by ‘My Brother’s Bones’ – a darkly humorous look at HIV/AIDS in Botswana.
In September 2012, Gao Lemmenyane returned to Maitisong where he had previously served as Director for a brief stint. He sought to recall that same spirit of theatre as a tool for education and inspiration engendered by Mr. Nebe and his students.
The old Company was re-born as The Company@Maitisong.
Many of the same ideals drive the work of The Company@Maitisong. This, the production arm of Maitisong, seeks to generate local shows of the highest standard, encourage gender equity in the Arts, educate arts practitioners and sow healthy seeds for the future of the industry in Botswana and beyond.
The current committee of The Company@Maitisong are:
Tlotlego Gaogakwe – Chair
Gao Lemmenyane – Director of Maitisong
Tumisang Baatshwana
Gothataone Moeng
Zanele Tumelo
Kabelo Rapinyana
Tefo Paya