- Athol Fugard, a legendary playwright known for his impactful
works against apartheid, passed away at 92, leaving behind a legacy that shaped
South African and global theatre. - Fugard’s contributions were recognized with prestigious
awards, including the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Order of
Ikhamanga (Silver). - His work, including plays like My Children! My Africa!
and Master Harold and the Boys, continues to inspire social change.
Tributes continue to pour in for one of the country’s icons of English theatre, Athol Fugard, who died in Stellenbosch on Sunday 9 March.
The 92-year-old playwright published more than 30 plays in his lifetime, many of them focused on the injustices of the apartheid system. In 2004, Fugard received the order of Ikhamanga (Silver).
To honour his legacy, in 2010 the Fugard Theatre, located in District 6, was opened. It closed down in March 2021.
The founding producer of The Fugard, Eric Abraham, returned the building that housed the Fugard Theatre complex to its freehold owner, The District Six Museum and the building today is called the HCC (Homecoming Centre).
In 2011 Fugard received the ultimate recognition from the world’s most prestigious theatre community – a Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre.
Greg Karvellas, former general manager of The Fugard Theatre, said Fugard was a beacon of the power of theatre.
“I will never forget his incredible fire, his fierce
dedication to his work, and his wonderful laugh, humor, and kindness. He will
be deeply missed. Working with Athol Fugard was working with a true master of
the craft. His writing was masterful, and the fierce dedication with which he
approached his work was awe-inspiring.”
Karvellas said the theatre was named after Fugard by founder
Eric Abraham, who envisioned it as a space where a common humanity could be
shared. He said he still has found memories of working with
Fugard.
“I had the privilege of working on Shadow of a Hummingbird
and The Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek. Shadow of a Hummingbird was
particularly special, as it marked Athol’s final time on stage. We also toured
the production, making it an incredibly meaningful experience.”
Commenting on his passing, Marlene le Roux, chief executive officer of the Artscape Theatre, said Fugard’s contributions to world theatre helped shape a cultural and political dialogue that transcended borders and continues to resonate today.
“Athol Fugard was a brave human being who through his plays, highlighted the horror of the apartheid era. The lasting significance of Fugard extensive body of work, apart from its artistic brilliance, was Athol’s unwavering commitment to raising awareness about injustice and inspiring social change, both within South Africa and internationally.”
She says each year the Artscape gives life to his work to engage with young people, our history through Fugard’s seminal 1989 play, My Children! My Africa!
The play presents a moving portrait of a country on the verge of revolution. Le Roux says the play will be showcased between Wednesday 9 to Wednesday 16 April.
“A loss to our country but Athol Fugard leaves behind a body of work for generations to come which is relevant, masterful. A titan of South African theatre, known for his powerful exploration of South Africa’s socio-political issues during the dark days of the apartheid era. His plays gave voice to the struggles of marginalised individuals and called to account the oppressive apartheid regime.”
In 2023, Fugard received Civic Honours from Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. This is conferred on exceptional Capetonians for their significant contribution to society in Cape Town and throughout the world.
Some of his plays that made impressions both locally and globally include The Blood Knot, Hello and Goodbye, Master Harold and the Boys and The Road to Mecca.
Ricardo Mackenzie, provincial minister of cultural affairs and sport, said in a press statement: “It is a very sad day for South Africa. Athol Fugard was one of our country’s greatest playwrights, who managed to capture everyday stories of people in our country in every play. He had a unique way of turning the pain of the past into a story of hope for the future. His contribution to the arts is immeasurable.”
Premier Alan Winde echoed this and said: “His penetrating, sharp wit has left an indelible mark on our shared cultural heritage, and his acute understanding of our country’s political and cultural make up is unmatched. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. May his legacy live on in or theatres and beyond.”
