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08 Mar 2023

 Mophato Dance Theatre production Pula! The Musical, is back and this time with former Miss Botswana, Palesa Molefe as part of the cast.

Written and directed by Andrew Kola of Mophato Dance Theatre, the production was previously performed and showcased on Broadway, Times Square New York by the then ILoveBotswana Ensemble. 

The production has been developing, having started in 2016 performed at Molapo Piazza before hitting Broadway stage in 2018. 

In 2019, it was played before Batswana during the independence celebrations at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks auditorium.

Scheduled for April 21 and 22, the show returns with a new lead in Palesa, replacing Lone Motsumi who has since found greener pastures in Hollywood. 

Joining the star studded and talented cast of Ntirelang Berman, Gabriel Modise and Kalima Mipata, Palesa will play the role of Mmapula, the daughter to the old man Moroka wa Pula.

“We held auditions for everyone who had interest, including Palesa,” said Hope Moumakwa. 

He said Palesa got the part because of her dancing and artistic abilities, which she had shown interest in previously. 

Not denying that Palesa’s huge following will raise ticket sales, Moumakwa said their focus was more on her ability to dance. 

“She is doing well and she is a cast member like any other in the production and we are happy with her,” he said. 

Moumakwa noted that Pula! The Musical is an expensive production to deliver, costing close to a P1 million. 

He said without much corporate sponsorship and support for the creative sector, their only saving grace would be more sales.

He however said they would never back off regardless of costs. 

“We will push hard and ensure this production becomes another success and take it back to the international space as we will be building another production,” he said. He said Mophato Dance Theatre 

production’s dream was to be the hub of productions that would fit the world theatre spaces. 

“We would like to see a consistency of Botswana productions being showcased in those spaces,” he added. Tickets for the Pula! The Musical are on sale at web tickets for P200. ENDS