Athol Fugard Biography

is a playwright, director and actor whose works often focus on South African politics. He began working in theatre in the late 1950s and his experimental theater group produced his first play, No Good Friday in 1959. International recognition began to come his way with the production of The Blood Knot in 196 1. By portraying the conflict between characters from different backgrounds, Fugard's plays explore racism and repression and celebrate the strength of the human spirit Plays include Hello and Goodbye (1965), A Lesson From Aioes (1978), Master Harold ... and the Boys (1982), The Road to Mecca (1984), Playland (1992) and Valley Song (1995).