One Man Show encouraging Africans to stay back home to be played in The Gambia coming Friday

A One Man Play Show encouraging Africans to stay back home and develop the continent produced by the UK based V Jay Theatre  Productions was showcased on the 29 November 2019.

The event took place at the Ebunjan Theatre around the former GFA, now GFF House in Kanifing.

The ‘instant success’ play written and acted by Victor Richards- a UK born citizen deals with issues about how our Caribbean ancestors suffered in their struggle to go to Europe, the sufferings youth encounter through the back way to Europe, and try to encourages youth to stay back home and develop the continent.

Mr Richards during the Press briefing held at the YMCA Conference Hall on 27 November 2019 that The Gambia is the first place in Africa where the play will be showcased, adding that he choose The Gambia because of the loving and friendliness of the people.

He said called on all to turn to the Friday show, which is encouraging Gambian youth to stay back home and participate in their country’s development activities.

Angela Rose for her part said of Aga Global Ambassadors in the UK-Gambia said when she wanted to come to Africa, The Gambia was recommended to her as the best country to visit. She added that she has since been coming to The Gambia since 2003 on Holidays, to reconnect Gambians and their UK counterparts, and try to help each other.

She said there were negative images portrayed in the UK about Africa. But she brought about 30 people from UK since she started coming, and they engaged in dialogue on what to do. She said they supported education and health, as part of being part of the solution and not part of the problem.

She said Victor contacted her about a play he want to do on next Friday, and she is happy to be part of the Friday event.

Victor Richards, a Poet, Actor and story teller for his part said he was born in the UK, and as a child he heard stories of the Carrabians. “I knew we were transported from Africa to Europe. I went to a Drama College and wanted to do a one man play and I was supported,” he said. Adding through his play he was sponsored to play in Japan.

He said the play is for Day Care Centres and Schools.

He explained that the story of the play is about the journey of our parents coming to the UK, the challenges they faced, the hardship, racism, difficulties in housing they encountered; the way they cook, and how they were entertaining themselves.

He said the play was published in a book in 2007 and produced in a CD. He added that he is working on producing the play in a movie of the play.

He called on the media to support him, to get the educational project to go to schools.

He said he taught people about Drama and has helped mental health people, among others.

He said the play is a family show. “It’s a play I take to the Church, not for offensive,” he said.

He said the reason why he chooses to bring the play to The Gambia is because of his love for the country, and considering the hardships that parents and the youth goes through in struggling to go to Europe in search for greener pasture. Adding that nothing has changed since then.  He expressed shock on how youth are drowning in sea trying to travel to Europe, and advise youth not to come to Europe without being prepared, because life in Europe is much more harder. “Life in UK is harder than we think. Get your sponsors, develop your home,” he added.

He said that is why his message in the play encourages youth to stay at home and help each other.

He said he is collaborating with Aga Ambassadors UK-Gambia because they have been coming to The Gambia over 15 years.

He said he has visited schools with Mrs Rose and sponsored 2 kids, purchased Land and is sponsoring a brother to go to the University.

Quest on the challenges confronted with, he said finance, communication and time management has been major challenges he has been encountering coming to The Gambia, and hope that with time these can be overcome.

He among others said he established V Jay Production in 1990, but prior to that he was a Fashion promoter, and event organiser, which eventually led him to establish V Jay Production in 1990.

He said all it take to be successful is how to market oneself, and he was advised that if you are doing anything add educational package in it, which he did in the play. “You make more money in Education,” he said.

Staff and Film actors of Laisisis Production based Brusubi attended the press briefing held at the YMCA Conference Hall opposite MDI Road, and they gave the vote of thanks.

I hope to provide further details on the Friday night One Man Play Show