Illegal in its writing and astonishing in its impact, a revival of South African political drama The Island premières at Lancaster’s Dukes theatre this month.
A Dukes and Chipping Norton Theatre production, this powerful drama of defiance and determination is set on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years and is based on the true story of two inmates performing Antigone, the great classical play of political protest.
As John and Winston prepare for the performance with the limited contents of their cell, they debate the merits of their protest and the tension of the uneasy relationship increases when one man finds out he may be granted early release.
The Island, written by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona, was first produced in 1973 under a different title as, for many years, it was forbidden to even mention Robben Island, such was the reputation of its prison.
After premièring in a small Cape Town theatre, it was presented at London’s Royal Court and on Broadway cementing its reputation as a modern classic.
Appearing in this new co-production are Mark Springer who played Albany in last year’s Royal Exchange/Talawa production of King Lear. He will be joined by Edward Dede who recently appeared as Matthew in Design for Living at The Old Vic.