A play that looks at some of Bermuda's social ills opens at the City Hall Theatre tonight.

'If You Can't Afford it, Leave it Alone' was written by Irving Ingram, Jr. and produced by Linda Paynter.

The play's aim is to encourage residents to look within themselves for answers to our current problems, rather than waiting on Police, the Government or the churches for assistance.

Cast member Melody Albouy said the message was appropriate considering all that is happening in Bermuda today.

"It touches on the gun violence and how, as a community, we need to get together and break the silence and stop waiting for someone else [to do so]," she said.

"My character is Violet and she is very outspoken and she doesn't mince her words and she gets really indignant about the violence in Bermuda to the point where she sends out a call to the community to stand and be counted, because if we all make our voices known the people who are perpetrating all these offences and so forth, they can't hide.

"They won't know who will or who won't turn them in, so eventually they will have to stop their nonsense and be held accountable."

The play also looks at the role played by Christianity.

"It is family-orientated. It'll make you laugh; it'll make you cry. It is going to be a great play," said cast member Capri Wilson.

The character Jonathan Edwards is played by Kyle Smith Burgess.

"He is the oblivious comedian of the group, he doesn't try to be funny, he just ends up that way," the teenager explained.

"His main thing is that he thinks that he can sing, but when he opens his mouth it's like nails on a chalkboard.

"His problem is that he is passionate about what is going on in society, but he thinks that not enough is being done – by the Police or the Government – to stomp out the violence and the crime.

"He's trying to stand up and speak out... about the crime that is coming into our nation and how it is just going to get worse.

"It is an amazing play that will hopefully change the way that you view life in general and touch you on some level."

'If You Can't Afford it, Leave it Alone' runs through July 17. General admission is $40; patrons tickets are $50. Tickets are available at the City Hall box office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 27th Century Boutique and from cast members. Showtime is 8 p.m. sharp.