Lesego Maja
lesegomaja@caxton.co.za
Sam Phillips, a local producer, actor, writer and theme composer, has had sleepless nights about the unfortunate drug-related events that have occurred over the years leading school children in paths no future leader should be headed.
“The recent drug activities in the country have urged me to become a playwright because of all the shocking cases involving wild activities in high schools, such as students engaging in sexual activity openly in school yards while others record it on their cell phones to post them on the internet. So I decided to take action.”
In an attempt to create awareness and curb drug addiction, Phillips chanelled his concerns into a play that addresses the core issues facing the South African youth, with the effects of drugs at the forefront of the message.
His training experience in the past and passion for acting enabled him to assemble a cast of young aspiring actors from different towns around Johannesburg and train them for the heart-hitting play he has
written.
Production of the play, however, has been more challenging than Phillips had anticipated.
It has been a back and forth struggle to securing funds for the play, as most of the cast members are unemployed.
“I can't afford to rent a hall for rehearsals, so we rehearse in one of the rooms in my house. We camp there on weekends and I have to make sure that they have some food to eat and money to return home.”
The play has been put on hold for a while until there are enough funds to cover production costs, including transportation, costumes and equipment.
Phillips' quest for funding has been unsuccessful, with potential deals falling through.
“I don't mean to speak down on our government, but I have approached the Department of Education, Department of Justice and, among others, the Department of Arts and Culture and I haven't received any promises about funding.”
Phillips is appealing for funding from anyone who is willing to see this educational play pull through, particularly before exam season.
“I would really love for us to perform the play before the exams because that is the time when tension forces them into drastic measures and some start consuming drugs, thereafter committing suicide.”
“It would also be great if we could perform in halls or sports grounds at no cost to the audience, just so we can reach the masses.”
Details for donations: Sam Phillips 084 588 40 70; (011) 673 9182; samphillips836@gmail.com
