Maitisong Theatre - Gaborone - Botswana

Maitisong (“place of entertainment” in Setswana) is owned by Maru-a-Pula School, and is located in the heart of Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone. Maru-a-Pula School has had a policy of outreach to the community since the school was opened in 1972, so when the school realized that it needed a hall, the Headmaster at that time, David Matthews, campaigned to raise money to build a space that would fulfil a dual role of school assembly hall and community theatre venue. Money was raised in the USA and South Africa, and architect Ian Marshall drew up the construction plans.

Building began in 1986, and on 22 March 1987, the doors of Maitisong were officially opened. The Maitisong Festival was created to give the public an opportunity to be inspired by the best of the local arts scene. Many groups came together and performed in the first Maitisong Festival. Music, dance and drama burst onto the stage like it never before in Gaborone. A new theatrical age for Botswana had dawned.