A one man play encouraging Gambians to stay home instead of embarking on the dangerous back-way journey to Europe will be showcased at the Ebunja Theatre in Kanifing.

The ‘instant success’ play written and acted by Victor Richard deals
with issues about the sufferings African youths encounter through the back-way journey to Europe, and try to encourage them to stay back home and develop the continent.

Mr. Richards said The Gambia is the first place in Africa where the
play will be showcased, adding that he chooses The Gambia because of
the loving and friendliness of the people.

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

Angela Rose for her part said of Aga Global Ambassadors in the
UK-Gambia that when she wanted to come to Africa, The Gambia was
recommended to her as the best country to visit.

Ms. Rose added that she had 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 wanted to do 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 Caribbean.

“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.
He added that through his play he was sponsored to play in Japan.

Mr. Richards said the play was 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 a movie of the play.

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

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

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 the sea trying to
travel to Europe, and advised 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 Angela Greyham Associates (Aga)
Ambassadors UK-Gambia because they have been coming to The Gambia for over 15 years.

Reporting by Madi S. Njie