Fresh Air Remembering The South African Playwright Who Defied Apartheid
18 snips
Mar 13, 2025 
Athol Fugard, a renowned South African playwright known for his poignant works on apartheid's emotional scars, discusses the fight against censorship and the importance of integrated theater. He reflects on his experiences and the responsibilities of artists in oppressive times. Jerry Butler, iconic soul singer and songwriter, shares his rise from group dynamics to solo success, revealing personal stories behind his hit 'He Will Break Your Heart.' Their conversations highlight the resilience and legacy of art amidst societal challenges.
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Working with Zakes Mokai
- Athol Fugard faced obstacles working with Zakes Mokai due to apartheid.
- Fugard carried Mokai's reference book and played an "Afrikaner act" to avoid trouble.
The Serpent Players
- Fugard co-founded the Serpent Players, an integrated theater group in Port Elizabeth.
- They had to rehearse in neutral territories due to restrictions on Fugard entering black townships.
Master Harold and the Boys
- Master Harold and the Boys is based on Fugard's childhood relationship with a black waiter named Sam.
- Fugard describes spitting in Sam's face as a moment of shame he still carries.
