A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Island (Fugard)

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 2m

Athol Fugard, John Kani, Winston Ntshona

"Touching, moving and beautiful." - The New York Times

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 2m

Details

Summary

On a small Atlantic island is one of South Africa's maximum security prisons for political prisoners. There, two cell mates, Winston, a lifer, and John, in for ten years, have developed strong bonds of friendship. This bond is about to be broken, for John is soon to be released. This arouses hatred, envy and loss in Winston. John's feelings at his early release are mixed. The two have also devised a homespun version of Sophocles' "Antigone" and its presentation as a prisoner "entertainment" is a tremendous theatrical moment. It is also a scathing, ironic and symbolic indictment by these two Black prisoners of White South Africa. 

Published in a collection called Statements with Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act and Sizwe Banzi is Dead.

Media

REVIEWS

"Touching, moving and beautiful." - The New York Times

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $120 per performance

Scripts

Available Formats:

Add-Ons

Take a look below at how you can enhance your show!

Authors

Athol Fugard

Athol Fugard is an internationally acclaimed South African playwright whose best-known work deals with the political and social upheaval of the apartheid system in South Africa. He was educated at the University of Cape Town. His plays include “Master Harold”...and the Boys, ...

View full profile
Author

John Kani

Author

Winston Ntshona

Now Playing