Recovery Play Hits Professional Stage

A groundbreaking play, Wake Up Sammy, is making its professional debut, performed entirely by individuals who have overcome addiction and are now in recovery. The production originates from the community organisation the Detox Factor.

The narrative centers on Sammy, a fictional character navigating the complexities of addiction. Director Cara Cox, drawing from her own lived experience, described the recovery process as requiring discipline and a willingness to embrace discomfort for eventual comfort.

Cox further explained that recovery transcends merely ceasing substance use; it involves discovering a life rich in meaning and purpose, which can manifest in diverse activities such as fitness or horsemanship. The play serves as a platform to explore these alternative paths.

Paul O'Brian, who plays Sammy and has been sober for three years, shared his insights. He noted the significant personal growth involved in portraying a character while managing his own recovery. O'Brian stressed that while stopping substance use is the initial step, learning to live a purposeful life is the core of sustained recovery.