Alan Shelley Knihy

The study of Fugard's plays and how his work retains an insistent influence in society.

Focusing on the intersection of Athol Fugard's works and South African politics, this book delves into his texts rather than his personal activism. Unlike Wole Soyinka, who is deeply involved in political movements, Fugard's political commentary emerges through his plays. Born in Middleburg, Fugard has had a notable career as a playwright, director, and actor, with significant roles in his own works like Blood Knot and Boesman and Lena. The book offers an analysis of how his writings reflect the complexities of the socio-political landscape in South Africa.

The narrative follows May Twining, a passionate yet stage-frightened young woman, as she recounts the chaotic journey of the Great Selsdon Amateur Dramatic Society's production of Noël Coward's Private Lives for their 25th anniversary. The story unfolds through the casting, rehearsals, and a fateful dress rehearsal, highlighting the quirks and dynamics of the diverse cast, including the unpredictable director Ambrose Percy and the society's leading stars, Roger and Brenda Scotland. The blend of reality and embellishment offers a humorous glimpse into amateur theatre.

Percy Glossop, a talented pastry chef, navigates life in twentieth-century Europe, intertwining with the Lost Generation in Paris. His mother, youthful and carefree, shaped his early experiences and understanding of love and relationships. The narrative explores Percy’s journey through a vibrant cultural landscape, revealing his storytelling ability and the impact of his upbringing on his identity and choices.

A suspect in a fatal fall goes underground to evade law enforcement and a vengeful brother, uncovering the complexities of life outside his conventional middle-class existence. As he navigates his new reality, he encounters a quirky cast, including a romantic novelist cook and a reformed professor. Amidst this chaos, he finds unexpected love with a taxi driver by the riverside. Ultimately, the story weaves themes of corruption and justice, culminating in a reckoning for those responsible for the original betrayal.

The story unfolds through the eyes of a romantic husband, detailing the idyllic journey of a perfect couple from their meeting to their wedding and honeymoon. Their dream of a country cottage, complete with roses and a thatched roof, symbolizes an escape from the chaos of city life. As they immerse themselves in village life, the narrative explores themes of love, longing, and the allure of a simpler existence, painting a vivid picture of rural charm and domestic bliss.

Focusing on themes of anonymity and vengeance, the narrative explores the life of an overlooked man who orchestrates the perfect murder of his beautiful yet deeply resentful wife. His act of violence leads to unforeseen consequences, as societal and police forces become involved, highlighting his struggle with invisibility and moral ambiguity. The story invites readers to grapple with the justification of his actions and the complexities of human relationships.