Benji Riggs as Hallie in “Master Harold” … and the boys
Presented by Independent Theatre
Reviewed 27 May 2014
This is a very confronting play on a subject that most of us would prefer not to think about. We are all aware of the prejudice and cruelty that was perpetuated by apartheid, but what do we really know? Children take their clues from their elders and follow by example, when left to their own devices and allowed to explore friendships they rarely see skin colour as an important part of their evaluation of a person.
This story looks at the relationship of a young white boy who cannot relate to his father, a crippled alcoholic and seeks companionship with the coloured ‘boys’ who work for the family. The action takes place in the Tea Rooms run by his mother which he visits after school to do his homework. The interactions of Harry, played by Benji Riggs, and Sam, portrayed by Shedrick Yarkpai, are the basis for this play. For the most part Willie, William Mude, is an observer, watching the scene unfold and keeping his distance whilst learning to dance in preparation for an upcoming competition.
Both Riggs and Yarkpai bring depth to their portrayal and give life to these complex characters. Mude, who was a last minute replacement and had only one week to rehearse, does well in the circumstances, but the drama is carried by the two main players whose characters each have their own set of problems and a common bond of remembered times. The circumstances that lead up to the climax of this play and culminating in an act that Harry can’t take back are peculiar to that time and place, but they resonate with many other situations.
This is another well-produced, well thought out Independent production. A shame the season is so short.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @Franeds
Venue: Goodwood Institute, 166a Goodwood Rd, Goodwood
Season: 27 – 31 May 2014
Duration: 90 mins
Tickets: $18.00 – $35.00
Bookings: Book online through the Independent Theatre website, through BASS online, or phone 131 246
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