Athol Fugard

Athol Fugard was born in Middelburg, South Africa on June 11, 1932. Most of his plays take place in South Africa, and include universal themes focusing on humanity and racial issues. In addition to some 20 dramatic works (including collaborations with John Kani and Winston Ntshona on Sizwe Banzi is Dead and The Island), he has written a novel, Tsotsi, memoirs, and several film scripts (with Ross Devenish). Fugard directs and acts in his work, and appeared briefly in the films Gandhi and The Killing Fields. His first major play, Blood Knot, was written in 1961, and was promptly banned in his home country, as have been many of his other works, including ‘Master Harold’ …. Fugard is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including several Tony Award nominations. For much more about Athol Fugard's life and work, please see our Study Guide for "Master Harold" ... and the Boys (link will open PDF file).