A play to warn pensioners about the dangers of over-committing themselves to charity donations will begin its tour of the north-east next week.
The story of Norma, who lives alone but is kept busy by being “bombarded” by cold callers, junk mail and street canvassers, has been created with community centre, sheltered accommodation and lunch club audiences in mind.
The pensioner finds that once she has satisfied her desire to help all the causes she thinks are worthy she is left with no money for herself.
Writers Euan Martin and Dave Smith believe people now suffer from “charity fatigue” from being constantly asked to pledge cash.
The Moray-based duo from Right Lines Productions have written the play, Charity Begins, to guide pensioners and the vulnerable through prioritising the causes closest to their hearts.
Mr Martin said: “Everybody suffers from it now, whether it’s junk mail people in the street or adverts on the television. We’re all bombarded.
“Older people are often targeted and, frankly, manipulated or exploited to part with their money.
“Obviously, they’re all deserving causes but it’s difficult for a lot of people to work out who to give to first a lot of the time – they’re browbeaten into it.”
The one-woman play has been designed to be performed in small settings for intimate audiences.
Informal discussions sessions have been organised for after each performance to allow people to explore the themes in the production.
The play has been funded by The Auchernack Trust, which was set up specifically to assist older people in the Forres area, and Aberdeen City Council, where the show will move to after its run in Moray.
Estrid Barton, who is originally from Maggieknockater, performs the lead role of Norma in the show.
Mr Martin added: “Norma struggles. She gets phone calls asking her for money in her living room and gets stopped in the street. She eventually gets so beleaguered that she develops a system to cope.”
Charity Begins will be performed on Thursdayat Kinloss Church at 10.30am and Rafford Church Hall at 2.30pm and at the Forres Area Community Trust (Fact) office on Friday at 2pm. Free entry.
