John Kani's Tribute to Athol Fugard in 'Master Harold'

John Kani's return to the role of Sam in Athol Fugard's play "'Master Harold'...and the Boys" at the Geffen Playhouse serves as a poignant tribute to the playwright who profoundly influenced his life and career. Kani's journey from a potential member of the Umkhonto We Sizwe paramilitary group to a celebrated actor and director highlights the transformative power of art in the face of oppression.

Kani's pivotal encounter with Athol Fugard occurred in 1965 during a rehearsal with the Serpent Players in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. At that time, Kani was filled with anger and a desire for freedom amidst the oppressive apartheid regime. Fugard's mentorship redirected Kani's path from violence to storytelling, emphasizing the importance of narrative in challenging injustice. Kani's experiences during this period, including surveillance and violence from the government, shaped his artistic voice.

John Kani, now 82, is a prominent South African actor known for his roles in both theater and film. His relationship with Fugard, who is celebrated for his anti-apartheid plays, has been instrumental in Kani's career. Kani's portrayal of Sam in the original 1983 South African premiere of "'Master Harold'" adds depth to his current performance, as he revisits the character with decades of experience.

Emily Mann, co-director of the Geffen production, emphasizes the play's relevance in today's political climate, drawing parallels between apartheid-era South Africa and contemporary issues of authoritarianism and racism. Mann reflects on Fugard's ability to convey complex political narratives through the lens of personal stories, stating, “This is exactly the play and the right moment for this play in America, or maybe worldwide.”

Kani expressed gratitude for the opportunity to revisit his role, stating, “I am truly blessed that at 82, I’ve been given the opportunity to tell this story again for this audience.” He acknowledges Fugard's influence, noting, “The greatest gift of Athol Fugard is to tell a very controversial political story, and ignore the politics of it completely and just follow the human beings.”

Kani and Mann are aware of the need to adapt the play for modern audiences while remaining true to its roots. Kani remarked on the character Hally's struggle with identity, saying, “If you look at Hally in this play, he was destined to be a white racist... Then the miracle happened.” This acknowledgment of personal and societal conflict underscores the play's enduring significance.

• “Without bumping into him that day, I would never have been in the arts at all,” — John Kani, Actor

• “This is exactly the play and the right moment for this play in America, or maybe worldwide, because of what’s going on politically in the world,” — Emily Mann, Co-Director

• “ “The greatest gift of Athol Fugard is to tell a very controversial political story, and ignore the politics of it completely and just follow the human beings.” — John Kani, Actor

As Kani and Mann continue to explore the themes of the play, audiences can expect a dynamic interpretation that resonates with contemporary issues. The production at the Geffen Playhouse not only honors Fugard's legacy but also invites new conversations about race, identity, and the power of storytelling in the ongoing fight against oppression.