The Island

Synopsis

Set in the notorious Robben Island prison, The Island is a tribute to the men and women who, with indomitable courage and a longing for freedom, were imprisoned for taking part in the fight for a free and democratic South Africa. Following its premiere in 1973, the play toured internationally and was received with enormous acclaim, including Tony Awards for the two actors.

Our Review:

23 January 2002

Note: The following review dates from this production's previous run at the National Theatre.

Some theatre events resonate beyond the mere words that comprise them, but the special power of The Island is that it's transcends purely verbal communication even in its staging.

This seminal work of political as well as deeply personal theatre was first staged in full in 1974 at London's Royal Court, though it was originally developed in South Africa's Cape Town where a draft version was presented twice the year before. Over a quarter of a century later, the specific circumstances it describes - of incarceration on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela, its most famous prisoner, was held for some 22 years - may, happily, be no more, but the courage with which it was created, and the extraordinary courage of its two thrilling actors, John Kani and Winston Ntshona, who co-wrote it with Athol Fugard, remains a shining beacon of the power o...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 16 January 2002:

Heard an interview with the author on Radio4 this morning (16/01), sounds fascinating, can't wait to see it....

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