Youth addressed via substance abuse roadshow
The show's final rehearsal will be at Umkomaas Primary School on July 22.
The Cedars Treatment Centre and 60 Minutes Fight Against Drug and Alcohol NPC will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, with yet another educational and entertaining roadshow for South African schools.
“Substance abuse is at an all-time high for different reasons in our society,” said Stellio Coutsides of the Cedars Treatment Centre, a boutique group of addiction and mental health treatment facilities.
“We want to carry our message of hope to those who need it, and to those who, year in and year out, wait for our production to uplift them during their journey to recovery.”
The annual roadshows are to empower and educate South African school-going youth about the dangers and dire consequences of drug abuse and guarding against poverty. For the past nine years, 60 Minutes has enjoyed an impactful partnership with The Cedars whereby in-patients are invited to participate in a short play. The story follows the experiences of a school-goer who experimented with drugs or alcohol, went through addiction, loss and found recovery.
“Patients and past patients from The Cedars play an integral role in the roadshow because, through them, we get real stories of real people, making it more relatable to our audience,” added Stellio.
Brighton Hlatshwayo, who is part of 60 Minutes Fight Against Drug and Alcohol NPC, said that the roadshow was resumed in 2022 after a two-year break owing to Covid-19.
“The roadshow was impactful as it addressed issues which were relevant to the experiences of the pandemic which directly linked to addiction.”
Every year, the roadshow sees the team touring six schools. With this being the 10th anniversary, the final rehearsal will include a commemoration of the growth of the show. This will feature special guests, sponsors, previous participants, and recovering addicts from Cedars who will share their experiences, and how the show has assisted them in the recovery journey.
For those interested, the show’s final rehearsal will be at Umkomaas Primary School on July 22 from 16:00 to 18:00. Members of the public are invited to this special event. For any information regarding the production and events, contact 083 7433435 or email brighton@lightnessproductions.co.za.
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