From a review by Shirle Gottlieb, 6 Jul 2011 in gazettes.com
"Although Athol Fugard wrote “Master Harold ... and the boys” three decades ago, this bittersweet slice of life is as powerful today as it was when apartheid reigned over South Africa.
The mere form of its title (“Master Harold” in capital letters, “...and the boys” in lower case) tells us this play is another study in Fugard’s ongoing stance against racial injustice. After a long list of world-renowned works, Fugard’s name is synonymous with equality and human dignity...."
"Set in 1950 in an immaculate Tea Room on a stormy afternoon, the plot revolves around Hally (a white teenage student, the son of the owners) and his close relationship with its two black waiters...."
"Through a lot of back-and-forth banter (all loving and light-hearted), we learn how close the three have been for the past decade. They reminisce about the past when Hally ran to them for safety from his abusive, drunken, bigoted father. Though Sam never went to school, Hally taught him how to read; so they share hours together in playful intellectual discussion..."
The full article is here:
www.gazettes.com/lifestyle/arts_and_entertainment/on_with_the_show/playhouse-masters-tough-play-about-apartheid/article_42a10566-a817-11e0-8149-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=print
