A giant of political drama, Fugard captured the injustices of apartheid in works such as Sizwe Banzi Is Dead and The Island
The South African playwright and director Athol Fugard, whose works included the plays Sizwe Banzi Is Dead and The Island and the novel Tsotsi, has died at the age of 92.
A major political dissident playwright of the 20th century, Fugard wrote more than 30 dramas including Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act (in 1972) and “Master Harold” … and the Boys (1982). Both of those drew upon the time in the 1950s when he could only find employment as a clerk in one of the courts where black South Africans were charged (and inevitably convicted) of breaches of the “pass laws”, designed to control the movements of a racially segregated population under the apartheid system. There, he witnessed hourly the dehumanisation of those who had chosen the “wrong” streets or people.
About Author
More Stories
Sydney caravan a ‘fake terrorism plot’ and antisemitic attacks a scheme to divert police resources, authorities allege
Alan Jones allegedly squeezed bottom of 11th victim in Tamworth, NSW police say
NSW and Queensland weather update: Brisbane drenched by wettest day in 51 years but easing conditions on the way for northern NSW