Theatre
The Island
The Theatre Chipping Norton and the Dukes Theatre Lancaster stage the seminal anti-apartheid play devised by South African playwright Athol Fugard, in partnership with actors John Kani and Winston Ntshona.
Two men, unlikely friends, stagger through days of crippling prison work, breaking free in nights of playful escapism and ecstatic, dreamlike joy. With just scraps from their cell, they prepare for a performance of Sophocles’ tragedy Antigone in front of the prisoners and guards – an act of defiance from people who have lost everything.
Set in the infamous island prison where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner, The Island has a powerful history. For one thing, it draws parallels between Antigone’s situation and the situation of black political prisoners. Then there’s the history of its creation and first performances. “The piece was devised by Fugard along with the famous south African actors John Kani and Winston Ntshona – the play’s John and Winston,” explains actor Mark Springer.
is needed now More than ever
“Fugard, a white writer, was devising an anti-apartheid piece with two black actors, about activities in Robben Island prison that the State were keen to keep secret, so this was an extremely dangerous project for all involved. John and Winston were arrested for performing the piece on a few occasions, and rehearsals had to take place in secret.”
Read our preview here.
8pm plus Thur & Sat matinees 2pm, £14/£10 concs. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/the-island
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