Abduragman Adams' theatre play, Four Proudly Township Thespians staged at Portland High School

When fame and fortune crash down, Dusty Jacobs has to start over in Moonside Heights, where gangs rule the streets and life is never quiet. This is the story at the heart of Four Proudly Township Thespians, a vibrant play bringing township drama, comedy, poetry, and music to the stage.

Renowned actor Abduragman Adams, who plays Dusty, says the story is inspired by his own journey of creating work for himself.

"You may see me on TV, screen and in memes... maar daai beteken nie ek het werk elke maand vannie jaar nie. Dan moet djy maar jou eie werk skep," he said. 

"I’m combining my love to engage and interact creatively with communities by taking plays to rural towns and townships around the Western and Southern Cape,” he said.

Dusty’s downfall - infidelity, alcohol, and a scandalous photo in Mauritius - forces him back to his aunt’s house, where he encounters the Monkey Kings and The TRUMP Boys, two local gangs marking their dominance with flying bullets.

Mr Adams said he was drawn to Dusty’s story because it explores forgiveness and how it affects someone who has been ‘cancelled’.

“I would have preferred to direct and have another actor play Dusty, but we don’t yet have the funding, so I took the role myself,” he said.

Actor Zakariyah Toerien said the show came together through collaboration.

“It was Abduragman’s idea. He approached Ashley Kamfer, one of the lead actors, and then I connected with him. We discussed the show and what it should be about. Rehearsals are going well, challenging at times, but we work great together and learn all the time."

His character, Laeeq, loves singing and poetry but faces bullies and gangsters. The story is about positivity - no matter your circumstances, you always have a choice,” he said.

The play stars Ashley Kamfer, Mr Adams, Lee Roodt, Tyra Van Wyk, and Zakarieyah Toerien.

“There’s a message for everyone, but at its core, it’s about resilience - creating your own success. The township pulse is in every scene, and as bullets fly left, right, and center, the show must go on,” Mr Adams said.

The community to which we perform to can also request a drama workshop to their specifications. The drama workshops are conducted on Saturday mornings only, he said.

Four Proudly Township Thespians will be staged at Portland High School on Saturday, January 31 at 3pm. Tickets are R130, and refreshments will be available.

For more information, contact 075 372 4282.