One of the most renowned plays to emerge from the anti-apartheid protest theatre movement in the 1970s and 1980s is being revived this Festival.
One of the most renowned plays to emerge from the anti-apartheid protest theatre movement in the 1970s and 1980s is being revived this Festival.
In fact, one of its original creators, recognised as one of the most significant figures in protest theatre history, is directing it.
The Island was first performed in 1973, stemming from collaboration between Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntsho, all firm believers of the importance of protest theatre in a society stifled by oppression.
Inspired by real events from Kani and Ntsho’s lives, The Island is set in the notorious Robben Island Prison and follows the lives of two prisoners, John and Winston.
One of the main characteristics of protest theatre during apartheid was the use of actors’ real names in plays to remind the audience that the horrors demonstrated on stage were actually real-life occurrences.
John and Winston spend their days performing intense physical labour and at night rehearse for a performance of Sophocles’ Antigone, which they are to present to their fellow inmates and wardens.
The parallels between Antigone’s situation and their situation are examined throughout The Island, with constant political commentary serving as a subliminal backdrop throughout.
When John learns his prison sentence is being reduced, the men’s friendship is tested.
Now Kani brings The Island to Grahamstown and replaces Fugard as director.
His son Atandwa Kani (Hayani, Wild at Heart) will play the character of John, and Nat Ramabulana (Blood Diamond, The Bang Bang Club) performs as Winston.
The Island is a ground-breaking exploration of the atrocities committed in the name of “law”, the solidarity between men fighting apartheid and the resilience of the human heart.
The Island is showing at the Rhodes Theatre on Wednesday 3 July at 11am and 4pm. A post-performance discussion moderated by an arts journalist from City Press will take place after the 11am production.
