Written by Jordan Herskowitz

As an American exchange student, I came to Cape Town, South Africa, ready to experience a new culture and learn more about who I am. Among my many great experiences during my time abroad was the chance I got to perform my autobiographical one-man show, Jordy Pordy: Taking the Bull by the Horns.

I began writing Jordy Pordy about two years ago through an arts grant I received from my university back in the States. After many living room performances and staged readings, I had my premiere performance at The University of Cape Town in May 2008.

The play chronicles my life (so far) as a professional mascot, while exploring the themes of family, religion, and the overall strength of the human soul. One of its main characters is my younger brother, Richie. At birth, Richie was diagnosed with a severe case of cystic fibrosis, a genetic respiratory and digestive disease. At age five, the doctors said that without a double-lung transplant, Richie would have a slim chance of living past his eighth birthday. Less than a year later, Richie became the youngest cystic fibrosis patient to ever receive a double-lung transplant.

However, Richie's lungs started to reject his medicines as he became a teenager. His body finally gave up a long battle last year at age 17. But what makes Richie so powerful and his character in the play so amazing is not the sadness of a life cut short, but rather it is a celebration of a life that far surpassed anyone's expectations. Richie never complained. He never asked, "Why me?" He never quit or gave up. He had lots of great things to live for, and now I have the joy of sharing Richie's story with audiences who see my play.

The Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa provided great support to my premiere performance, bringing staff members to hand out promotional materials and speak to interested audience members about becoming an organ donor. Samantha Volschenk, the Cape Town Organ Donor Project Manager, said that the show "is a stunning one-man tour of Jordan's life. It's a true to life testament of transplantation and organ donation and what it means to a family."

I was more than thrilled to have the opportunity to have my premiere showing in South Africa. My hope is that I can tour the rest of the world with my show, sharing Richie and my story while drawing awareness to organ donation. I am very thankful to the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa for their generosity and support of my play.

For more information about Jordy Pordy: Taking the Bull by the Horns, feel free to e-mail Jordan at jhersky@gmail.com.

Team Jordy Pordy - Jordan Herskowitz is seen in the centre.