Lentsoe is a production about a tree that enlightens people, which brings awareness of mental slavery and the dark secrets of politicians. The story is set in Riverside, one of the locations in Qwaqwa. Jacky and Peter have been sidelined by politicians and receive the opportunity to find out what happened to their Brother Alveos who was the next in line to be the Mayor of the community.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Lerato Kleinbooi Mafohla
Lerato is a performing artist from Qwa-Qwa whose career began as a dancer in various productions in community arts development; he serves Bapala Creative Arts and Services with producing, stage management and technical services in Bapala Artistic program for various productions since the year 2019. He has stage managed productions like Madala (PACOFS theatre Black season 2019), Kamampela as well as Molao Theo Production.
His passion for the arts started at an early age as an actor in a Fearless Theatre production. As his talent grew, he was cast in a Rebontsi Dance Production as a dancer and end up in cladsnot D.C. which won 1st position in the gold section category and 2nd position on Novice Section at Qwaqwa dance festival. He has facilitated theatre and dance classes for young creatives in Maluti A Phofung Municipality. Lerato has also been awarded certificates and awards such as the MAMA awards for best dance crew, being best participant in a crew along with other competitive engagement.
His contribution in Technical and Stage Management further inspired him to mentor young stage managers at Riverside Youth Centre. His production, An Out Cry has been performed on various stages from 2019 to date. He stage managed Molao Theo production at NAF 2022 and performed in Madala Musical Production as an actor in 2022. Lerato currently serves as an artist manager for BCAS Musiqi which was established in June 2022, and which has achieved 4 EP’s of various artists and complete the administration, marketing, marketing and audience development of production house artists. Furthermore he assists young entrepreneurs by mentoring and monitoring development of their respective businesses.
Chopo Bularah
Chopo is a seasoned theatre practitioner who began his creative journey as an actor at Riverside Theatre Production from 2004 to 2009, where he featured in productions such as “Cruel Monster” and “Himself” performed at various festivals such as Macufe, Robben Island, and Grahamstown National Arts. He further
honed his craft by developing his writing and directing skills, creating his first production called “The Case” performed in local and provincial theatre festivals from 2010 to 2014.
In 2015, Chopo established Bapala Creative Arts and Services Primary Cooperative, an arts production house that provided creative services such as script writing, directing, and performing for theater productions. Bapala Creative Arts also fostered connections with local organizations such as Save the Children, Free State Arts and Culture Association, Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality, and the University of the Free State Qwaqwa campus.
