Emotional play highlights people with disabilities

03 August 2009 - 02:00
By Frank Maponya

TIRED of the stereotyping of disabled people, well-known Limpopo playwright Paul Rapetsoa's new play, My Pride, is aimed at changing people's perceptions.

TIRED of the stereotyping of disabled people, well-known Limpopo playwright Paul Rapetsoa's new play, My Pride, is aimed at changing people's perceptions.

My Pride wants to enlighten communities about the importance of treating people with disabilities the same way they would able-bodied people.

The play was staged in Polokwane at the weekend.

The touching and emotional story is about a person who was born disabled.

It recently played to wide acclaim at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival.

It also gives a picture of the hardships that disabled people go through on a daily basis - the bad treatment they endure at the hands of those prejudiced against people with disabilities.

Director Matome Rapetsoa said they decided to bring the show to Limpopo to educate communities about the importance of living with people with disabilities and treating them well.

"My Pride has proven to be the most educating, entertaining and awakening production of our time since it tackles real issues experienced by real people on a daily basis," Rapetsoa said.

He said all they needed was financial support from the government and private sector in order for the cast to survive and to do more.

The production is running at various places in the province.

The proceeds from the shows will be donated to the needy, especially children with disabilities.