An interesting production. I particularly liked the acting of Marius who avoided the cliche and was someone who wanted to do good and to help people, but who still lived by his own standards.
When he left Helen "We're trying to say goodbye to each other aren't we?" the woman in the audience in front of me was crying.
Some weaknesses of the play:
The first act is too wordy. When Fugard is sharp he is very good "My turn to say sorry"... "To tell you the truth, I was getting on my own nerves". But when he get pulled down by plot, it does strain
"I'm afraid it's even more complicated than that, Elsa. Marius is only thinking about what's best for them but on the other hand Gertruida has offered to donate part of her profits to their school-building. And what about Koos? Wouldn't it make things even worse for Katrina if he had a local supply"... "There are two separate issues..." and so on.
And after Marius has left we need a speedy resolution but Fugard starts another strand.
But a fine version of a play that at times is the best of his writing. Recommended.
