Botswana (University of Botswana) Bachelor of Fine Arts Gem Strikes it Hot in South African Theatre

“BREAKING NEWS: I have joined the cast of MuvhangoSA. I have waited too long for this day and now all I can say is Thank you, God! I know this will shock a lot of people back home as I have kept this a closely guarded secret. See you tonight @SABC2 at 9 pm!”

#AngelaAtlang.

The date was August 16 and the clock had just struck 9.35 am when Ms Angela Atlang, a University of Botswana Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre Studies) graduate tweeted this message. It was a dream come true for her and the University of Botswana in its drive to produce well-rounded and globally competitive graduates with immense ability to grow the arts industry.

Muvhango is a popular drama series on the South African television channel, SABC2 and Ms Atlang, 26, joined the cast playing Itseng Motsamai, James Motsamai’s estranged sister, a seductive but hard and gritty woman who plies her trade as a strip dancer. Ms Angela Atlang is an actress and a model who hails from Maun having obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies from the University of Botswana in 2018.

Not only is she an actress but Ms Atlang is a model and has appeared in several advertisements and music video performances working alongside Botswana artists. She has also worked with companies such as Ebony Hair and several others as a model. Her acting career started at a tender age after she spotted her colleagues rehearsing for drama competitions. Later on, she joined a drama club at junior school where she got so much recognition, earning her the “Best Actress Certificate”.

In 2014 Ms Atlang enrolled on the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies at the University of Botswana to follow her passion and realise her dream of acting after dropping from her AAT programme. While at UB she met a ‘lovely group of lecturers in Professor Connie Rapoo, Dr Thulganyo Mogobe, the late F.K Omoregie, and Dr Kerr. She acknowledges the lecturers for their commitment and passion for the nature of her talent.

Ms Atlang says she also took part in other stage performances outside school such as the “Broke, Broken, and Alone” theatre production, produced and directed by Kabo Tamela in 2019. She played the lead role in KG’OESAKENI: THE DANCE MUSICAL theatre production by Lepatata Arts Ensemble in 2017. She also acted in Botswana’s popular drama ‘Mareledi’ (Makgabaneng) in 2017 which was unfortunately not aired. She also worked as a production assistant under the wardrobe in ‘Mareledi’- Makgabaneng.

She was also part of the 48-Hour Film Project with Hisgalus Films group, Botswana in 2014 and her team scooped the second position and walked away with the Best Supporting Actress Award.

A media release from the Muvhango production team says Ms Atlang has welcomed the challenge of playing this complex character because it will help her development and journey in the performance arts space. “I believe that my work ethic will endear me to the viewers. They need to constantly see me grow. I should not stay stagnant and I believe that will endear me to the viewers,” she is quoted as saying.

Muvahngo producer, Mr Herbert Hadebe is also quoted saying over the short space of time Ms Atlang has proved herself more than capable of rising to the occasion.