When you mention "podcast" in South Africa, the image that often comes to mind is an interview. Yet, the team at Baird Media is challenging this norm by embarking on an ambitious project to produce South Africa’s first feature-length audio drama podcast.

Stripped delves into the true story of Thomas Budge, a courageous young man who, in 1971, bravely defied conscription into the apartheid military due to his unwavering religious convictions. Raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, Thomas staunchly adhered to the teachings instilled by his mother and the organisation’s elders, steadfastly opposing the idea of bearing arms.

His principled stance led to imprisonment in the now-demolished Military Detention Barracks (DB) in Voortrekkerhoogte (Thaba Tshwane) in Pretoria, where he spent most of his sentence in solitary confinement. Only through his father’s persistent letter-writing campaign and subsequent changes in legislation did Thomas find liberation, albeit after enduring immense personal sacrifices.

This untold apartheid narrative, adapted from Thomas W.E. Budge’s autobiography It Is What It Is: Grace Through Acceptance (2013), is now being brought to life in the audio drama podcast Stripped, helmed by writer and director Hendrik Baird.

Following an exhaustive audition process, the cast of this powerful production has been finalised, comprising both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.

Renowned actors such as Dawid Minnaar, Tessa Jubber, Errol Ballantine, Francois Coetze, and John Herbert join rising stars Almar Müller, Kevin Narain, Henri Strauss, and others.

The pivotal role of Thomas will be portrayed by the versatile Bruce J. Little, known for his work as an actor, playwright, and writer.

Hendrik Baird, who is also a co-producer of this project, says: “I am truly awed by the eagerness of big-name actors to sign up for this audio drama podcast. I am sure the next generation of voice actors will benefit hugely from being in the same studio as legends such as seasoned actor Dawid Minnaar and radio stalwart Errol Ballentine, who have been in the business for many decades.”

In a deliberate effort to ensure authenticity, Hendrik Baird sought to cast gay-identifying actors in key roles portraying gay characters. He underscores the significance of honouring Thomas's narrative by authentically representing his journey through the voices of those who share similar identities and experiences.

Stripped confronts several themes, including blind faith and its consequences, the influence of religious cults on individuals, familial bonds strained by religious doctrine, and the ramifications of exposing a person’s sexuality against their will.

The narrative holds particular resonance for ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses who have faced being disfellowshipped and shunned. Additionally, the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters serve as both a historical testament to the treatment of gay individuals during apartheid and a stark reminder of ongoing intolerance within certain sectors of society.

“Stripped is a story that I must tell,” says Thomas Budge, “not only to expose the world to these doctrines but to provide encouragement to the many, many victims of marginalisation, victimisation, and expulsion from society because they had no say over their difference from what some consider to be the norm. This is not only relevant for those who have or have had a connection to the Watchtower Society but also for everyone who was persecuted and deprived of their basic human rights.”

The pre-production journey has been particularly emotional for Thomas, as it has opened old emotional wounds. He says that, “Stripped is a true account of being peeled away from oneself, pulled from one’s right to be who one is, having one’s clothing taken away, having one’s freedom removed by being placed into solitary confinement, and worst of all, being stripped of one’s right to associate with family.”

The cast is slated to convene at Solid Gold Studios in Randburg in May for the recording session. Once the vocal performances have been recorded, co-producer Ethan Baird will oversee the editing and sound design, meticulously crafting an immersive auditory experience for listeners.

The podcast's official launch is scheduled to coincide with Pretoria Pride on Saturday, 5 October 2024.

Upon release, Stripped will be accessible on the website startlivingmy.life/web/stripped and various podcast platforms. The website will offer supplementary materials, including historical photographs, press clippings, and letters penned by Thomas's father.

For updates and additional content, follow the project's Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

FULL CREDITS

Thomas Budge – Bruce J. Little

Erith Budge – John Herbert

Yvonne Budge – Tessa Jubber

Magistrate – Abri le Roux

Elder 1 – Errol Ballantine

Elder 2 – David C. Steyn

Prisoner 1 – Nj Hourquebie

Prisoner 2 – Kevin Narain

Corporal – Francois Coertze

Sergeant Vermaak – Werner Botes

Captain Nel – Dawid Minnaar

Lieutenant Jacques Engelen – Almar Müller

Chris – Scott Paton-Levin

Bank Inspector – Hendrik Baird

A Baird Media Production.

Directed by Hendrik Baird. 

Script by Hendrik Baird with additional dialogue by Thomas W.E. Budge. 

Based on the book “It Is What It Is: Grace Through Acceptance” by Thomas W.E. Budge. 

Sound design and final edit by Ethan Baird. 

Music by Lourens Kriel.

Recorded at Solid Gold Studios. 

Produced by Baird Media and StartLivingMy.Life. 

Executive Producer – Thomas W.E. Budge.

Social Media Links:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/stripped-an-audio-drama/
• Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084841662943

Websites:

• https://startlivingmy.life/web/stripped
• https://baird.media/stripped

To arrange media interviews, contact:
Hendrik Baird
Cell 072-629-4990
WhatsApp 081-415-0056
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.