This production offers a live reimagining of the 1985 raids that took place in Gaborone, Botswana. It unfolds in two forms: a live music performance and an experiential theatre piece. Everything in the production is rooted in that era, from the Yeoville-inspired dress code to the Afro-jazz music genre.
The production is deeply immersive — beginning with dompasses as entry tickets and seating arranged according to racial segregation, used intentionally to reflect the harsh realities of the time and to draw the audience fully into the experience.
We spotlight the lives of some of the victims of the 1985 raids while also honouring Southern African leaders who played pivotal roles in the diplomatic fight against the Apartheid regime.
More profoundly, we pay tribute to Abram Onkgopotse Tiro — the Godfather of the Soweto Uprising and the first person to be internationally assassinated via a parcel bomb. His story is told through the eyes of his mother, who seeks justice for her son’s death. In the end, Tiro helps her understand that no revolution has ever been won without casualties.
Production Credits
Producers
Boikhutso Phenyo Molefhi
Thoriso Bogwasi
Co-Directors & Playwrights
Alfred Samane
Boikhutso Phenyo Molefhi
Stage Manager | Technician
Ketsala Makuku
Crew Member
Nametso Mampari
Actors
Sebaga Mpodi
Kutlwano Reetsang
Game Moshashane
Dina Mmekwane
Mandisa Lesele
Warona Mmopelwa
Setho Moeti
Zanoxolo Majova
Kings Kenosi
Marketing and Publicity
Pesalema Bogwasi
Onneile Legwale
Prince Mosipidi
Aone Kgakatsi
Artists
Mohau Bontsibokae
Paballo 'Pablo' Phetlhe
Band Members
Thobo Leene
Phio Sefako
Pako Pheto
David Matlhaope
About the Artists
Boikhutso Phenyo Molefhi is the founder of Dramatic Scholars, an award-nominated actor, director, and playwright with a degree in Live Performance from AFDA. He’s a former drama teacher, mentor, and examiner, known for his role in the award-winning film Morwaake and co-creating the play Dikgang Tsa Bagolo: Ngwana Mme.
Thoriso Bogwasi is a Forbes 30 Under 30 (Africa) honoree and the co-founder of Backyard Stories collaborating in bringing forth Dikgang Tsa Bagolo: Ngwana Mme. Thoriso is a 4th-year Media Studies student at the University of Botswana, specialising in storytelling and filmmaking. He leads the 4th Estate Media Club, mentors youth in hockey, and creates platforms for emerging musicians with Backyard Stories in Gaborone. Thoriso is dedicated to using ideas to change lives and communities.
Alfred Samane is a University of Botswana Fine Arts (Theatre) graduate, known for co-writing and co-directing Dikgang Tsa Bagolo: Ngwana Mme. He also served as a Social Media Marketer for Thapong Arts in 2023.
Kutlwano Reetsang is the Coordinating Officer of Dramatic Scholars, a playwright and actor with an honours degree in Live Performance from AFDA. Her work includes script supervision for Khumo Ya Dinaledi, volunteering at the Bantu Film Festival, and a cameo in the upcoming series Liar.
Setho Moeti is a researcher, playwright, and actress with a theatre degree from the University of Botswana. She serves on the admin team of Women in Film Botswana and is also a newsreader and correspondent for UB Radio.
Pesalema Bogwasi is the Digital Creative Director at Dramatic Scholars & Backyard Stories, specialising in Gen-Z social media strategy. He holds an honours degree in Creative Multimedia and a certification in Social Media Marketing from HubSpot.
Ketsala Makuku is a set designer, graphic artist, and stage manager with a BA in Motion Picture Medium, majoring in Production Design. He managed props and sets for An African’s Memoir at Maitisong 2023 and worked as a script researcher for BOS Productions in Cape Town.
Onneile ‘Miss O’ Legwale is a graphic designer and fine artist whose creativity and reliability have made her an invaluable asset. Her bold and heartfelt designs have shaped African stories, with her work on A Tree Remembers and An African’s Memoir earning recognition.
Mohau Bontsibokae is a singer, songwriter, and performer studying Theatre Studies at the University of Botswana were she acted in The Sound of Music. Mohau opened the Bantu Film Festival 2024 and has featured on the single Lukewarm by Mikepro, she regularly performs at Backyard Stories Botswana. Mohau thrives in collaborative environments and is passionate about innovative theatre and film projects.
Pako Pheto is a talented keyboardist/pianist with 12 years of experience, playing for various artists and events. He has been the main keyboard player for Phemperetlhe music band since 2013 and is also the 2nd keyboardist for the Gospel Music Awards since 2018. Pako is currently the main keyboard player for Backyard Stories, where he performed in the R&B and Rap vs Kulenyane event in 2025.
Trailer
Publicity Info
