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BY BILLY SUTER
A NEW 20-episode Lotus FM radio drama started on May 28 and will be aired at 9.45am every weekday (with 9.45pm repeats). And good news is that if you wish to catch up on previous episodes, they can be heard by visiting the radio website at http://www.lotusfm.co.za/
Titled The Brave Ones, the radio serial explores the ‘Fees Must Fall’ student movement that rocked South Africa in 2016.
Written by Michael van Niekerk, the drama portrays the experiences, growth and the lessons learnt by three students involved in the Fees Must Fall campaign.
“Their journey aims to take the listeners through an exploration of other prejudices rife in our country, as well as the greater social, cultural and political context which shape these,” says a spokesman.
“South Africa, 24 years after democracy, is a thriving, dynamic country which is still experiencing great challenges and turmoil on many levels. This is brought alive in all its vibrancy through the special theatre of the mind which is radio drama.”
Seshen, Lisa and Nomfundo (played by Yusuph Kadoo, Caitlyn Goulding and Nomfundo Mkhize respectively) are three friends from different race groups.
“The drama has them learning more about each other’s cultures and prejudices, and doing some hard growing up in the process, while trying to deal with and challenge long-held schisms thathave defined South Africa’s social relations.”
Drama producer Raeesa Mahomed, who has been at the helm since 2006, says: “As part of our public broadcasting mandate, we have always explored the difficult and important issues while entertaining at the same time.
“I can confidently say that in all my years as a drama producer, The Brave Ones is unique in its hard-hitting, unapologetic, tackling of these issues. However, this is done in such an empathetic, relevant way, that it will engage one from the first episode.
“:I’m pleased that it is happening in this very important year for us – the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, which is also commemorated in the drama.”
Station manager Alvin Pillay is proud of this offering from the drama department: “Drama has always been very popular on the station and this is one more quality serial. It speaks directly to our audience and our mandate and explores a contemporary issue that has been making big news’.
Lotus FM’s frequencies are 87.7 in Durban, 100.6 in Gauteng and 97.8 in Cape Town.
.....SoSuterBill..... 