The Elephant Project

Hello there! My name is Debo Balogun and I'm from Chicago, IL. I am a senior at Augustana College majoring in Theatre Arts and Psychology.

I'm an actor, poet, lover, and devout worshipper of breakfast for dinner.

And this...this is my legacy.

"The Elephant Project" is actually a bit of a misnomer. It's less of a "project" and more of a beastly year-long undertaking that will likely consume most of my sanity... *nervous laughter* Nevertheless, I couldn't be more excited.

This campaign serves to fund the production costs of a play that is very close to my heart. This coming academic year I will be making my directorial debut as I lead my brilliant production team in putting together our own unique rendition of Elephant's Graveyard  by George Brant. Our production is currently slated for a two weekend run at The Village Theatre (2113 E. 11th Street, Davenport, IA, 52803) from May 5-May 14.

Every donation made to this campaign will help bring our production of Elephant's Graveyard into the real world. Your contribution will help fund us buying the rights to the show (so we don't get sued *more nervous laughter*), buying costumes, make-up, paint, lumber for building the set, and props. Even the smallest donation will help us reach our goal of $2,500.

"But, Debo, what is this play about?"

I'll gladly tell you! :)

Elephant's Graveyard  is the true story of a tiny town in Tennessee that is visited by a travelling circus in September of 1916. Sounds thrilling doesn't it? Don't worry; there's much more to the story. Without spoiling too much - a murder occurs in front of the entire town. Tensions rise. Bloodlust poisons the air. Justice is demanded. We see humanity's craving for spectacle and violence explored in such a way that is poetic and devastating.

Uplifting, right?

So why does this tragic play mean so much to me? Because it was the very first play I was in. My senior year of high school I auditioned for our theatre department's production of Elephant's Graveyard  largely on a whim. I had never acted in anything before - unless you count those embarrassing Christmas pageants they make you do in grade school *shudders*. Low and behold, I got a part - and it was one of the best experiences of my entire life. Performing in that show, I had never felt more alive. From that moment on I was hooked; it marked my descent into this mad mad world that is "theatre". 

Since then I have acted in a number of collegiate productions and even a couple of professional shows. Elephant's Graveyard  marked the beginning of my theatre experience in academia. So I think it's only fitting that my final year of schooling ends the same way - with me applying all that I've learned to the show that started it all.

I've grown immensely as an artist over the past four years. The greatest lesson that I've learned is that in this field, you have to fight for yourself. After a number of failed attempts to get this play produced through my college's theatre department, I've decided to take it upon myself to make sure that this story is told. My production crew and I will be working together to produce Elephant's Graveyard independently.

Elephant's Graveyard is a story that is incredibly unique and frighteningly provocative. It is a story that has the power to change lives. I truly believe that and I am ready to fight for it.

Now I fully understand that producing a play is no simple feat. It is extraordinarily demanding mentally, physically, emotionally, and fiscally.

That is why we need your help.

Like I said, every little bit really does count. It all helps us reach our goal of $2,500 which will cover our various production needs. Even if you can't donate, spread the word to your friends and family and help support an experience of a lifetime.

Thank you

Respectfully,
Debo Balogun