By Karabo Ntanzi
During lonely days of Lockdown level 5, film producer and scriptwriter Thabo Motlhabi was inspired to create a situational comedy depicting peoples’ lives from Ikhutseng, the location of Warrenton, a small town about 60km from Kimberley.
This resulted in a 26 episode series, with each episode having its storyline. Every second week an episode is uploaded on YouTube.
Currently, four episodes are trending on this platform. According to Motlhabi, the comedy series has attracted views not only from Ikhutseng residents but from other towns and other provinces.
The production is 100% Warrenton. The crew and cast members all hail from Ikhutseng. The shoot took place from Ditshotswhaneng Community Arts Centre in Warrenton. A local church was used to film the first two episodes.
“This is the biggest production we have ever had in Warrenton,” said Motlhabi. “The reason for making it a Warrenton only production is to preserve the culture and dialect of Ikhutseng. This project was a labor of love, performed at zero budget; cast members provided their wardrobe and props. Filmed at night because it is noisy during the day, ” Motlhabi explained.
Some of the episodes portray what was happening during Lockdown Level 5 in this hilarious comedy. Where community members resorted to brewing their concoctions of alcoholic beverages and the alternative use of “sanitisers”. The series pays tribute to real-life characters who have died a long time ago. The production team had a wonderful time reminiscing about fallen heroes such as “Shambalala”, “Vrede”, “Stokie”, “Cheeseboy,” are all characters of Go Monate Mo Ikhutseng. “Sweety” is played by Palesa Mphafi.
Motlhabi collaborated with a local musician, Tebogo Motebe, popularly know as “Suckle wa Mokwepa” to release his 12 track album titled “Kgosi ya Motswako”. Some of his music is the soundtrack for the production.
The equipment used is spinoffs from Okapi, the movie, which was also written and produced by Motlhabi, who owns Diamondwood Productions.
“I am proud to be a part of a production that tells our own story,” said Moipone Mohanyahanye, who plays the character of “Stokie”. Although she does not know the character she is impersonating, she says she enjoys playing her role as “Sweety and Vrede’s” daughter.
The production has evoked mixed reactions from friends and relatives of the deceased. Some are happy to share the lives of their dearly departed and understand that this is pure entertainment. In contrast, some relatives expect compensation from the production team.
“The intention is to register a foundation in which all parties will be paid royalties according to the industry norms and regulations,” said Motlhabi.
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