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My Children, My Africa
By Athol Fugard
Directed by Cecil O’Neal
At Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater
2257 N Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL
Call 773-871-3000, tickets $20 - $30
Thursdays & Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 5 & 8:30 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
(No show May 10, 2007)
Running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes with intermission
Through June 10, 2007
Thoughtful and moving apartheid drama plays to the heart
The return to Victory Gardens Theatre from one of the original eight founding member, Cecil O’Neal (the shows director), marks the mounting of a strong, beautifully written anti-apartheid play by South African playwright, Athol Fugard. This three character play features superb work from all three—especially from TV star Clarence Gilyard (also one of the show’s producers) and stellar work from Beethovan Oden as Thami and Blair Robertson as Isabel.
Its 1984 in South Africa at a Bantu school in the Black area. Mr M (Clarence Gilyard in a movingly powerful turn) is a self-professed “old fashion’ Black high school teacher. He defies the system through imparting as much knowledge as possible as a means to lift blacks through gradual change. His star pupil, Thami is an idealistic, even-tempered lad whose interest in social change grows from idealist to action oriented. Mr. M staunchly sticks to advocating change through the power of words and books—education. When he arranges a debate with a white school that sends a female high student, Isabel, Thami earns the respect and friendship of the white girl. Mr.M truly believes social change will come through understanding and reason. This debate is the first step.
But the radical and impatient Black youth movement decides to protest the shady education in the black Bantu education system. Mr. M turns informer in a misguided attempt to prevent trouble which could threaten his beloved schools. An extracurricular literacy competition allows Thami and Isabel to work together as a team. The event is derailed by the boycott.
The show contains vivid literary references and social and political debates through rich monologues as well as well crafted dialogue. Clarence Gilyard’s Mr. M unfolds as a valiant but tragically naive character with whom we grow to love and admire. Thami struggles with his respect and loyalty to his mentor and his commitment to the black freedom movement. Isabel struggles to maintain her understanding and friendship with Thami and her love for Mr. M.
Fugard has penned a masterwork filled with rich and unique characters that play out not as stereotypical but tragically flawed but truthfully real people put into situations beyond their control. This is a brilliant show filled with powerful performances that will move you deeply. Clarence Gilyard is tremendously empathetic.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2007
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