'Master Harold’… and the boys
1950. Apartheid South Africa.
St George's Park Tea Room, Port Elizabeth, 1950. On a long rainy afternoon, employees Sam and Willie practise their steps for the finals of the ballroom dancing championship.
Hally arrives from school to hide out in his parents’ tea room. These two men have been unlikely best friends to Hally his whole life. But it is apartheid era South Africa: he’s Master Harold, and they are the boys.
Tony Award-winning playwright Athol Fugard’s semi-autobiographical and blistering masterwork explores the nature of friendship, and the ways people are capable of hurting even those they love.
Roy Alexander Weise (Nine Night) directs Lucian Msamati (Amadeus) and Hammed Animashaun (Barber Shop Chronicles) as Sam and Willie.
Please note: As part of depicting the experience of 1950s apartheid South Africa, at times characters in the play use language which is racially offensive; for more information please contact us via our Help centre.
This production has been generously supported by Monica Gerard-Sharp and members of the 'Master Harold'…and the boys Production Syndicate who include:
Keith Bolderson, Camilla Cazalet, Sir Mick & Lady Davis, Mrs Juliet Gibbs, Clifford & Sooozee Gundle, Dr Elizabeth T S Houang, Hugh & Catherine Stevenson, and The Ury Trust
Talks and events
Breaking the Law: Theatre and Apartheid in South Africa Tue 8 Oct, 6pm
An Introduction to the Work of Athol Fugard Wed 16 Oct, 6pm
Director Roy Alexander Weise on 'Master Harold'... and the boys Mon 18 Oct, 6pm
Making the Show: 'Master Harold... and the boys' Fri 8 Nov, 10.30am
The Radical Nature of Black Joy in Theatre Fri 15 Nov, 6pm
Hammed Animashuan and Lucian Msamati on 'Master Harold'... and the boys Mon 18 Nov, 3pm
Designing 'Master Harold'... with Rajha Shakiry
