Master Harold and the Boys. To 15 May.

Salisbury

MASTER HAROLD... AND THE BOYS
by Athol Fugard

Salberg Studio, Salisbury Playhouse To 15 May 2004
Mon-Sat 7.45 pm Mat 6,15 May 3pm
Theatre Day 6th May from 11.30 a.m.
Runs 1hr 30min No Interval

TICKETS: 01722 320333: http://www.salisburyplayhouse.com
Review Mark Courtice 6 May 2004

Honest production of an honest man's story. In Master Harold and the Boys Athol Fugard explores his growing up as a young white South African in the days of apartheid, and especially the relationship between him and a black friend, whom he betrayed in the grossest way. Fugard is explicit about how much of the play is autobiography, and during the play Sam and Hally (the Fugard figure) discuss how he will turn these events into a story.

If this were only a white liberal exorcising guilt from his past then the play would be fairly pointless just the story of a clever boy made horrid by his own fear and weakness and the cruelties of the system in which he has been brought up. And needlessly demeaning he is very unpleasant to Sam.

In fact it is a rich and satisfying play, made so by the fact that it is about everybody's frailty and prejudice. It's about learning and art, and growing into being a proper human being, and it shows all this through the best of theatre's means - a wonderful portrayal of a marvellous character.

Sam is wise, and honest when only the bravest are so, and won't let Hally grow up crippled emotionally as his alcoholic father is disabled physically. In Caroline Leslie's unpretentious and honest production you get more, as Okon Jones also gets Sam's vulnerability, confusion and fury just right.

All the performances are good in a company that feels like an ensemble. Timing is impeccable, and things move on with energy and physicality underscored by a central metaphor about ballroom dancing. The characters actually listen to each other and in so doing provide tactful and accurate support through sometimes long stories.

Emily Couper's set is spot on; and in letting a good company of actors get on with their job, Leslie signs off her time as Trainee Resident Director at Salisbury in fine form.

Willie: Chad Shepherd
Sam: Okon Jones
Hally: Simon Quarterman

Director: Caroline Leslie
Designer: Emily Couper
Lighting: Peter Hunter.

2004-05-10 13:39:11