Julliard's "Master Harold & the Boys" by Athol Fugard

Last night Julliard's Drama students gave an outstanding performance of Athol Fugard's "Master Harold & the Boys."  Fugard, (S. African b. 1932) is an award winning, playwright, author, dir. teacher and political activist.  Most noted for his anti-apartheid plays that have garnerned world wide acclaim for tearing down apartheid in S. Africa.  Fugard was awarded a special Tony in '11 for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre.  "Master Harold & the Boys" was performed on B'wy in 1982 & won the Drama Desk Award.  "Master Harold…" is representative of his upbringing under the oppressive apartheid govt. in S. Africa.   Noted for his anti-apartheid support and boycott of segregrated theaters,  his plays were banned in by govt. imposed restrictions.  However, Fugard's plays were performed to wide audiences across the globe.  "Master Harold & the Boys" resonates powerfully today as a reminder of segregation in S. Africa & of insidious bigotry.   The 3 character play depicts dehumanizing racism and the onerous nature of prevailing prejudice.  Harold is a teenage school boy who has known the 2 black men, Willie & Sam,  who have worked in his family's cafe since he was a toddler.  A bond of friendship & respect had developed over the years but is quickly decimated in one racist, hateful rant spewed by Harold.  Both Corey Doris (Willie) & Austin Smith (Sam) gave honest and powerful performances.  Look for these young actors next on Broadway.  Meantime, don't miss this pivotal play at Julliard.