March 9, 2020
Sem Donkers, youngest ambassador of the Drenthe Youth Fund for Sports & Culture
Sem Donkers (born 2007) is a student, writer, and actor. He is fascinated by the history of film and theater, writing about it and creating his own theatrical productions.
Charlie Chaplin
As a little boy, Sem occasionally watched an animated television series in which the Tramp (Charlie Chaplin's character) tried to survive in the modern world. "I found him quite scary at first because of his makeup, but when a musical about Charlie Chaplin was coming to the Netherlands and Flanders in 2016, I rediscovered him," Sem says. This fascination led him to write his own play about Chaplin, which he performed at the Hofpoort Theatre in Coevorden in 2018. This marked the beginning of several performances as Charlie Chaplin, including one at the street theatre festival "Christmas in Old Kampen" in Kampen during Christmas 2019.
Sem has also written two books, one about Chaplin and one about Laurel and Hardy. He also wrote a short play about the latter pair. He performed it at the European Sons of the Desert convention, where Laurel and Hardy fans from all over the world gather. "It was a fantastic experience," says Donkers.
Drenthe Youth Fund Sports & Culture Video
At Podium Zuidhaege in Assen (April 2019), Donkers had the opportunity to showcase his Chaplin imitations to RTV Drenthe. This is what he also wants to do for a wider audience. The walks, the baton, and the faces that made the late film star so successful come alive again when Donkers is on stage. "It's not easy, because he did everything his way; his way is unique." This was picked up by an employee of the Drenthe Youth Fund for Sports and Culture, and she asked me to participate. a video for a local supermarket to raise awareness for the fund. I really enjoyed doing that. I'm glad I was able to help raise money."
Every child a chance
"Ever since I could walk and talk, I've been busy performing plays, and I've never wanted anything else. I think every child deserves this kind of opportunity to do what they love. Sports or culture, whatever you enjoy. You meet new people," says Sem. He played various sports himself, but his passion for theater pulled him in more. He also took theater and musical theater lessons, but he only wanted one thing: to create his own productions and perform them. The process of creating a production takes quite a while, and Sem found himself spending more time writing than acting. Since you're sitting all the time while writing, it was time to start doing some exercise. He chose the gym, where you can now regularly find him.
“I want and will try to get as many children as possible to participate in sports or do something cultural.”
Youngest ambassador

Sem, in his new act as Ramses Shaffy
Sem: "I think it's fantastic what the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture does for children who don't have the opportunities I do. It's a tremendous honor to have been asked as the youngest ambassador to raise awareness for the fund."
Follow Sem on Facebook.
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