⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Fiercely emotional, intensely compelling… Higgs commands your attention in this show of survival, humanity and hope.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A must-see play this year in Edinburgh!”
“Exquisite… I was blown away. Emotional depth as tangible as it was visible.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beggared in SA
A Play on the fringes of society
The story of a white beggar
living in a black township
A Humorous Play
with plenty of drama
Starring:
Sean Higgs
Director:
Gideon De Wet
Next Shows
Edinburgh Festival 2027
Details to follow soon
Of Robots* and things…
*Robot – Traffic light
An audience with a white beggar
at his Robot (True story)
This is a white beggars story, humorously performed, about how he ended up on the road and got to living in a Township.
A day to day account of a second rate citizen’s fight for survival and recognition in a hostile world, where you would die if you lost your sense of humor.
a Former hairdresser fallen on hard times and now living in a township and begging for a living at the robot by the new mall.
We share his fears, his hopes, his prejudices, and above all a healthy sense of humour that draws us into his reality where a red light is good.
Autobiography?
The play is based on Stewart’s life and is mostly factual, with some names and details changed so as not to ’embarrass’ anyone. The final script was created over 4 years through a combination of using the writer’s journal entries and a bi-weekly workshop process. When I heard he was on the street, I told him to write it down, write it all down. He did, He wrote, I edited, and this is the product. He, unfortunately, is still standing at his Robot…
First performances
Beggared In SA was first performed at the Rosebank Theatre. The performances were fundraisers for a cataract operation that Stewart desperately needed, and thanks to Nicholas and Liz Ellenbogen who selflesly gave a venue, time, and filled the venue, the 2 performances raised enough funds for Stewart’s cataract operation. (He was on a 2 year waiting list with the health dept.)
Why You Need to See Beggared in SA.
Imagine losing everything. Not just your job, your home, or your money—but your very sense of who you are.
That’s the reality of Beggared in SA, a powerful, one-man play based on a true story that will grip your heart, challenge your perceptions, make you laugh out loud, and leave you changed.
What’s It About?
A privileged white South African man, raised in comfort during the 1960s,
suddenly finds himself homeless, begging at a Robot (traffic light). He’s forced to confront not just his desperation but the deep-seated beliefs he grew up with.
Moving into a township shack, he discovers the true meaning of Ubuntu—humanity.
Why See It?
- It’s raw, real, and deeply human.
- This isn’t just a story—it’s a mirror reflecting society’s harsh truths and unexpected kindness.
- Yes, you’ll laugh—a lot. Even in the darkest moments, humor shines through. The absurdity of survival, the wit of resilience, and the hilarity of human nature make this journey as entertaining as it is moving.
- One actor. Many voices. Sean Higgs brings multiple characters to life in a gripping solo performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- It challenges your perspective. Can losing everything be the only way to truly gain?
- It’s urgent and relevant. In a world still divided by class, race, and privilege, Beggared in SA forces us to ask: Who do we become when we have nothing?
Come witness a story of survival, transformation, and the unexpected generosity of those who have the least.
It’s serious. It’s hilarious. It’s unforgettable.
Beggared in SA isn’t just a play—it’s an experience. Don’t miss it.