This is an extremely complex play that has many parts.

It is not a simple one-act or two-act play. Instead, it consists of multiple scenes and acts that unfold in a rather intricate manner.

The storylines within the play intersect and diverge, creating a web of relationships and conflicts among the characters.

Each part has its own significance and contributes to the overall narrative and theme of the play.

The complexity of the play requires the audience to pay close attention and follow the plot carefully in order to fully understand and appreciate it.

It challenges the viewers to think deeply about the various elements presented and how they all come together to form a cohesive whole.

Overall, this play is a masterpiece of complexity and artistry that offers a rich and engaging experience for those who are willing to invest the time and effort to explore its many parts.

A play set in apartheid South Africa is a powerful and poignant exploration of a dark and divisive era.

It delves into the lives of the people who were affected by the unjust system, highlighting the struggles, sacrifices, and hopes of those who fought for equality and freedom.

The play may showcase the daily experiences of ordinary South Africans, such as the restrictions on movement, the segregation of schools and public facilities, and the discrimination in the workplace.

It could also depict the acts of resistance and defiance that emerged, as individuals and groups refused to accept the status quo.

Through the medium of theater, the play brings this historical period to life, allowing the audience to empathize with the characters and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of apartheid on South African society.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and fighting for a more just and equal world.

A truly remarkable play, one that manages to overcome the potential drawback of overemphasizing its messages and metaphors due to the powerful emotional context underlying them. Each of the three characters is marred by flaws: Hally's youthful racism, Sam's tendency to provoke, and Willie's physicality, which all contribute to making the subject matter of utmost importance. Since Fugard focuses his story on the racial divide among the three, antagonistic lines are swiftly established. However, I can't help but wonder how the narrative would have differed had other aspects of their lives been explored.

The solidification of the racism conflict interestingly only occurs towards the end, with the Willie/Sam conflict, the comparison between dancing and life, and Hally's family issues taking the spotlight in the beginning. Fugard skillfully uses these three elements to refine his final conflict: uniting the two black men in their defense of each other, exposing Hally's simplistic thinking when he discards the significance of dancing, and displacing Hally's family problems onto the black men, especially in the climactic moment of the spit. It should be noted that the vulgarity is triggered by Sam's tragic mooning, with entirely different intentions; I wonder if the "barbaric" punishment comparison of wrist-slapping to arse-caning holds true in the heart behind Sam's actions, highlighting the double standard of pain resulting from the mistakes in a dance-free environment. What about the accepted power divide? Hally's instances of subtle racism and lording over before the "Master Harold" change were not easily detectable by me on my first reading, but upon a second read, I observe Sam and Willie bowing to the point where Hally's frustrations at his father's return boil over into paternal and fraternal insults.

It is fascinating to note that Hally fears embarrassment rather than outright punishment, as opposed to the verbal and physical threats that Sam and Willie face. He clenches his teeth when hauling his drunken father as a boy and upon the drunk's return. He weaponizes the embarrassment of his father's bluntness by embracing it, which is when Sam calls him out for his falseness. Sam and Willie become heroes by owning their anger and sadness; Hally becomes the villain by masking his.

HALLY: Act your bloody age! (Hurls the rag back at WILLIE)

HALLY:...The days when I got them on my hands are gone forever, Sam.

SAM: With your trousers down!

HALLY: No. He’s not quite that barbaric.

SAM: The Messiah.

HALLY:...Suppose I turn around and say Mohammed?

…SAM: Why not? You like Mohammed, I like Jesus.

HALLY:...Tolstoy may have educated his peasants, but I’ve educated you.

…SAM: Little boy in short trousers walks in one afternoon and asks me seriously: “Sam, do you want to see South Africa?” Hey man! Sure I wanted to see South Africa!

HALLY: The sheer audacity of it took my breath away. I mean, seriously, what the hell does a black man know about flying a kite? I’ll be honest with you, Sam, I had no hopes for it.

HALLY: (Behind the counter for a green cool drink and a dollop of ice cream)...I allow you chaps a little freedom in here when business is bad and what do you do with it? The foxtrot! Specially you, Sam. There’s more to life than trotting around a dance floor and I thought at least you knew it.

…SAM: That it might not be as easy as you think.

HALLY: I didn’t say it was easy. I said it was simple—like in simple-minded, meaning mentally retarded. You can’t exactly say it challenges the intellect.

…SAM: Make people happy.

HALLY (The glass in his hand) So do American cream sodas with ice cream. For God’s sake, Sam, you’re not asking me to take ballroom dancing serious, are you?

SAM: To be one of those finalists on that dance floor is like…like being in a dream about a world in which accidents don’t happen.

HALLY:...that is exactly what Master Harold weants from now on. Think of it as a little lesson in respect, Sam, that’s long overdue, and Ih ope you remember it as well as you do your geography.

…SAM: You’re really trying hard to be ugly, aren’t you? And why drag poor old Willie into it? He’s done nothing to you except show you the respect you want so badly…how do you know it’s not fair? You’ve never seen it. Do you want to? (He drops his trousers…)

...The face you should be spitting in is your father’s…but you used mine, because you think you’re safe inside your fair skin…

WILLIE: I want to hit him hard!...But maybe all I do is go cry at the back. He’s little boy, Boet Sam.

SAM: If you’re not careful…Master Harold…you’re going to be sitting up there by yourself for a long time to come, and there won’t be a kite in the sky.

Brilliant!

This simple word holds a world of meaning. It can describe a person's outstanding intelligence, a remarkable achievement, or a moment of pure inspiration.

When we encounter something brilliant, it often leaves us in awe and admiration. It can be a work of art that takes our breath away, a scientific discovery that changes the way we understand the world, or a performance that leaves us spellbound.

The concept of brilliance is not limited to just a few fields. It can be found in every aspect of life, from the smallest acts of kindness to the greatest feats of human endeavor.

In conclusion, brilliance is a quality that we all strive for, whether it is in our personal or professional lives. It is a source of inspiration and motivation, and it reminds us that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

So, the next time you encounter something brilliant, take a moment to appreciate it and let it inspire you to reach for the stars.

I teach this play every other year. In 2017, I didn't feel like writing a review. I thought perhaps I would come back to it in 2018.

Well, it's 2019 now and I still don't have the inclination to write a full review. However, I must say that the content of the play remains highly relevant in today's society. It is truly unfortunate and disheartening to realize that marginalized groups continue to face oppression and terror even in 2019.

Fast forward to 2021. One aspect that really stood out during this latest reading is the use of literary devices and techniques. For the most part, the play is relatively straightforward. But the巧妙运用 of humor, irony, tone, and symbolism became more prominent this time around. These elements added depth and nuance to the story, making it even more engaging and thought-provoking.

I picked this up cold and read it - intrigued by the title.

As I delved into the pages, I found myself gradually drawn into a world that was both complex and thought-provoking.

The author's vivid descriptions and incisive analysis allowed me to gain a better, perhaps even deeper, understanding of several important themes.

Apartheid, with its system of racial segregation and discrimination, came to life in a way that I had never fully grasped before.

The class struggles that simmered beneath the surface were also laid bare, highlighting the inequalities and power dynamics that existed within society.

Education emerged as a crucial factor in the fight against these injustices, as it had the potential to empower individuals and bring about social change.

Finally, the concept of ethics was explored, challenging me to consider my own values and how I might act in the face of difficult choices.

By the end of the book, I felt that I had not only gained knowledge but also a new perspective on the world around me.

What an incredibly powerful play!!!

As a South African, I have delved into several works that have attempted to grapple with the intricacies and horrors of the apartheid era. I have even explored other masterpieces by Athol Fugard, such as My Children, My Africa. However, none of them have managed to describe with such effectiveness, in such a concise text, and with such profound poignancy, the challenges that relationships between human beings face under such arduous circumstances.

Within a mere 60 pages, an array of themes and topics are addressed with such intensity that it is undoubtedly worthy of multiple readings. This play truly stands out as a remarkable piece of literature that offers deep insights into the human condition during a tumultuous period in history. It forces us to confront the harsh realities and the complex web of emotions that emerge when people are thrust into such difficult situations.

It is a work that will leave a lasting impression and continue to resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.

Read this

since the IB juniors will be reading this in English and I teach apartheid in 12th grade. It was truly poignant and reveals lessons that are still highly relevant to this day. The topic of apartheid is a complex and deeply impactful one, and this piece seems to capture its essence in a powerful way. I'm really looking forward to sharing it with the students and hearing their thoughts and perspectives. It's always fascinating to see how they engage with historical and social issues, and I'm sure this will spark some great discussions in the classroom. I can't wait to hear what the kids think about the injustices of apartheid and how they relate it to the world we live in today. It's an important topic that needs to be explored and understood, and I'm excited to facilitate that learning process with my students.

A book for which there are few equals is truly a remarkable and precious find. Such a book has the power to captivate readers, transport them to different worlds, and leave a lasting impression. It stands out among the countless others on the shelves, shining with its unique charm and value.

When we come across a book like this, it feels like a discovery of a hidden treasure. Its pages are filled with engaging stories, profound insights, and beautiful language that draw us in and keep us hooked from start to finish. We find ourselves completely immersed in the narrative, experiencing a range of emotions along with the characters.

These rare and outstanding books have the ability to touch our hearts, expand our minds, and inspire us in ways that other books simply cannot. They become a part of our lives, staying with us long after we have turned the last page. Whether it is a classic novel, a thought-provoking non-fiction work, or a beautifully illustrated children's book, a book for which there are few equals is a literary gem that we should cherish and share with others.

I have studied this for IB Literature and it has truly become one of my all-time favourite plays.

I would absolutely love to witness a production of this remarkable piece.

At first glance, it may seem deceptively simple, but upon closer inspection, one discovers the intricate web of writing that lies beneath the surface.

The character development in this play is nothing short of spot-on. Each character is vividly brought to life, with their own unique personalities, desires, and flaws.

The motifs and subtext add another layer of depth to the story, illuminating hidden meanings and themes that enhance the overall experience.

And let's not forget the ending - it is truly haunting, leaving a lasting impression on the reader or viewer.

Overall, I give this play a resounding thumbs up! It is a masterpiece that deserves to be studied, performed, and cherished.

Overall, this is a sad book.

Hally is an extremely arrogant twerp. He shows no respect for others and seems to take pleasure in belittling those around him. His actions and words cause pain and frustration to those who have to interact with him.

Throughout the story, we see Hally's arrogance lead to various conflicts and misunderstandings. He refuses to listen to the opinions and feelings of others,坚信 that his own way is the only right way. This not only isolates him from those who care about him but also prevents him from growing and learning.

The sad part is that Hally doesn't seem to realize the negative impact his arrogance has on himself and those around him. He continues to act in the same way, seemingly oblivious to the harm he is causing. It makes the reader feel a sense of pity for him, as he is trapped in his own self-centered world.

In conclusion, the character of Hally in this book is a prime example of how arrogance can lead to sadness and isolation. It serves as a reminder to us all to be more humble and respectful in our interactions with others.

I'm a bit of a weirdo. You see, I have this strange habit of picking up books that I randomly come across, reading them, and then returning them to some random location for others to discover. Well, this particular item is a play.

I have a genuine fondness for plays, and to be fair, this one isn't half bad. However, for me at least, it was quite evident right from the start where the plot of this play was headed.

It's a relatively fast read, and it's definitely geared towards those who have a passion for the theatre. That being said, it didn't really break any new ground for me. Nevertheless, as far as plays go, it was fairly good. If it were being staged at a theatre in close proximity to where I live, I might actually give some thought to going to see it in person.

Overall, it's an okay play that might appeal to a certain niche of theatre enthusiasts. But for someone like me who has seen and read quite a few plays, it didn't really stand out as something truly remarkable.