Production of Master Harold and the boys Gary Day Essay Example

world lies at the heart of the play's enduring appeal. The play's themes and direction are reminiscent of Nadine Gordimer, a fellow white South African writer, who shared Fugard's focus on marginalized non-white characters and opposition to Apartheid. Fugard drew upon his own experiences and identity for inspiration in creating this work, even having been called "Hally" as a child.

The play is based on a key event in Fugard's semi-autobiographical life, where Hally (played by Danny Rutt) mirrors a younger version of Fugard himself. After a heated argument, Hally spits in the face of a black servant. Fugard's use of his own experiences to shape Hally's character creates a deep sense of empathy for the tragic figure. While Rutt reasonably portrays Hally's unconscious racism, at times his delivery of the boy's confusion and anger can be melodramatic and over-the-top, detracting attention from Sam's passive role.

This play showcases some exceptional performances. Obano's serene demeanor is particularly noteworthy. While Rutt's dialogue is weighty, his flawed South African accent overshadows it. However, Seun Shote's portrayal of Willie adds a touch of comic relief when needed. His humorous pillow dance provides some much-needed respite from the play's dominating serious tone. That being said, Willie's everyday activities can become tedious and detract from the storyline at times.

In essence, the play features Rex Obano (Sam) in a touching role that spans the length of the performance. Through his patient expressions and gestures towards Hally, Sam's warm character is revealed. His eloquent speeches solidify his wise and composed persona. Of note is his poignant statement, "Dirtier than I've ever felt in my life," which serves as both a

powerful reminder of the enduring presence of racial conflict and a lingering lament for the issue at hand. Despite this, the question arises: how many times does the same window really need cleaning?

Throughout the play, there is a noticeable lack of balance in the attention given. The initial hour may appear dull due to repetitive discussions without any actual events taking place. As the play progresses towards its peak, it becomes more intense when Hally's deep-seated racism surfaces, leading to outbursts of anger, annoyance, and bitterness. Though this sudden burst of energy is gripping, it fails to have the intended impact because it occurs so late in the play. Consequently, the audience feels a sense of dissatisfaction at the show's conclusion. They wonder whether Hally has truly learned anything or acquired any knowledge after years of being tutored and befriended by the boys. This is where the source of true frustration lies.