Friday 23 of August 2024 , marked the first Bahale Arts Development Centre graduation,in a class by itself in the country . The graduates received certificates that marked their completion of the Bahale Theatre Makers Incubation Programme.
Liatile Mohale , Founder and Artistic Director of the institution, started the ceremony in a heart felt speech on why she ventured into creating the centre’s incubation programme.”There are a few programmes that celebrate the arts and drama sector”,she said. She further mentioned that the performing arts are often shadowed by the entertainment industry’s “ feel good drama, or happy ending drama” .
Moreover, “the type of drama in our country is treated very superficially, for example majority of the performances we see on our stages are for advocacy purposes such as the HIV AIDs / Gender based violence skits”. She further showed the ramifications of some of the stories we tell.” Because of the stories we are told we tend to treat women and men through the narratives we are taught”,she said.
“These stories perpetuate the wrong narrative of Lesotho. We never see stories that reflect the greatness of Lesotho”,she lamented.
“Sesotho is not like that ,”Ms Mohale said.
She also reflected on how the Arts and media industry, make money out of our countries trauma.
“I refuse to support this trend , “ she said .
Ms Mohale further noted that Bahale incubbation programme is intended to make light of the beauty and truth of culture through the performing arts .” A reminder of Basotho who they are through my talent, “ she said.
Ikaneng Moleko, one of the incumbents lead the floor through a mid programme activity in which the spectators acknowledged their presence.During the exercise the audience participated while being informed on the therapeutic element of theatre.That its sole purpose is not to entertain, but to rid or identify some of the areas that prohibit professions that require public speaking.
The centre’s director took over and informed the audience on the incubation programme. The incumbents were taught stage Management , design , and the business aspect of theatre .The programme is for anyone who already has a footprint in the arts sector.
Ms Liatile further , emphasised on the intensity of collaboration. “Most projects fail because we fear to collaborate and believe we can win while working in silos”.
Mr Sechaba Khoqo a representative from the Youth Apprenticeship and Public Works Programme (YAP), popularly known as ‘lihalahala’ , informed on the mission and vision of YAP. “It’s aim is to reduce poverty amongst the youth;and to create placements for youth graduates and non- graduates. As of this moment 2800 graduates have been impacted by the programme.” As an artist He said, my focus is to look into existing programs in the country and assist them with funding that to develop these programs sustainably. He identified that , “the challenge of our education system is that most theatre and drama graduates do not become creators but dependents.The arts are the lowest hanging fruits. Why are we not selling our stories the way they are to the world?,”Mr Khoqo reiterated.
Mr Nthoesele Mohlomi from the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) under the Ministry of Education and Training (MOE),remarked on the learning areas of creativity and entrepreneurship and the importance of these elements in education from primary to high school. He emphasised on the lowdown of our education system that sections students in the life of passing subjects and not focusing on their talents from the younger age.
In addition he said the challenge is not only education , but creating a space where there are platforms for the artistic professions to sustain themselves such as auditoriums.
Mr Teboho Moroeng, speaking on behalf of the parents congratulated the graduates and said he is elated on how far Bahale Arts Development Centre has come . He further said he hopes the government recognises the impact done by the centre in the country.
One of the seven graduates,Rets’epile Mvelase also shared with the spectator on what the programme has done for her and fellow classmates.
“It has empowered us to become catalysts of change , by exposing us to analytical tools in creating play production”,she said. She thanked the Commonwealth Foundation for the support that had left a legacy for future generations. Concluding she shared inspiring words to her classmates.
“ To my fellow graduates,as we move forward let us carry the spirit of innovation, collaboration, that has brought us here, “ she said.
Mr Jerry Mofokeng a legendary performer and advocate for storytelling of Basotho stories, as a keynote speaker said Basotho have stories to tell but are sitting on the content.”Poetry is not created to be studied but performed, “ he informed.
He proposed that strengthening the appreciation of the arts can be done through workshops for teachers in theatre and education, to strengthen their skills.”We should have storytelling competitions where Basotho tell “litsomo”( poetry).
Furthermore creativity and entrepreneurship should be tied together to ensure sustainability .
The event ended with a short but reviving performance, that showcased the talents Bahale Arts Development Centre has honed in its performers.
