South African playwright Athol Fugard, who died on Saturday, used his works to expose apartheid’s injustices and celebrate the humanity of marginalized lives. Known for plays like *Sizwe Banzi Is Dead* and *Master Harold… and the Boys*, Fugard blended intimate storytelling with moral urgency, drawing from his own experiences and observations of racial oppression. His characters confronted dehumanizing laws, such as the passbook system forcing Black South Africans to carry identity documents or face arrest.
Fugard’s accessibility mirrored his art—approachable yet profound, he championed empathy while unflinchingly confronting societal divisions. Eric Abraham, founder of Cape Town’s Fugard Theater (named in his honor), praised Fugard for urging audiences to confront history and recognize shared humanity. Though based abroad later in life, Fugard returned to South Africa, connecting with its artistic roots until his death. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging divides and affirming every life’s value.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/11/theater/athol-fugard-plays-apartheid.html