24 Sep 2015

Some individuals and organisations  wish to take the local theatre industry to greater heights. 

Reetsanang Association of Community Drama Groups (RACDG) is one entity that has in the past years tried to harmonise the theatre industry, but eventually the activism died out . 

However, a giant that has been sleeping for a while is about to wake up, that is the resuscitation of the RACDG and hopefully an improved theatre in the country. 

Legally registered in 1991 and with 40 affiliate drama groups countrywide, the objective of the RADCG is to encourage the use of theatre in community development. In an interview, the national coordinator of the association, Ben Ngwato said with the revival of RACDG, they intended to start with a capacity building programme that would refine affiliate group’s already existing skills and talents. 

He said Botswana got immense talent and quality in drama, but there was need to enhance the talent, hence the revival of the association.

Furthermore, Ngwato noted that the activism and the vibe in drama has declined unlike in the past, adding that the current activism was project based. 

He also said there was need to correct the notion that theatre was a thing for the youth only, hence encouraged the elderly to also take part in theatre. 

Ngwato also noted that a number of organisations were willing to partner with them in the revival of the association, while they already have support from the Botswana Network of AIDS Service Organisations (BONASO). Meanwhile, the association’s national coordinator commended the President’s Day competitions and described them as a good initiative that helped nurture theatre talent in the country. 

“The government is doing its best, it is now upon us as theatre activists to appreciate and take advantage of these efforts and with such initiatives I believe we can go far,” said Ngwato.  Ends