Buies Creek, N.C.—Thami and Isabel are from two different worlds separated by an oppressive racial system. “My Children! My Africa!” follows their budding friendship and the affects of apartheid in this explosive drama by renowned playwright Athol Fugard. Presented by the Campbell University Theatre Arts Department, performances of the play are set for April 1,2,7,8 and 9, at 8 p.m. in the Taylor Bott Rogers Fine Arts Center.
“There are plays that are seemingly written for the blind, that are crafted so poetically that watching the actors move about and emote on the stage may not be necessary,” wrote critic Carol Chastang about a 2007 production of the play. “You could literally close your eyes and listen to the characters—and be moved by the playwright’s words.”
“My Children! My Africa!” deals with South Africa’s tumultuous apartheid era and how it destroys the lives of two South African students and their inspirational teacher. It follows the friendship of a young white girl and a stubborn, black intellectual student and their teacher, “Mr. M,” who believes that education is the only way to overcome the racial injustice of apartheid.
Georgia Martin, theatre professor and the show’s director, explained the play’s primary theme.
“In the days before the student uprising in a country where walls of ignorance and tradition allow the repression of over half the population, one teacher can almost touch his dream of freedom and equality for his students,” Martin said. “The play tackles the real issues faced by most South Africans during this era of racial turmoil.”
Tickets are $3 for students, seniors, faculty and staff and $7 general admission. Tickets may be purchased at the Ellis Theatre Box Office, located in the theatre lobby, or online at www.sellingticket.com/campbell.