Anant Singh Remembers Athol Fugard, The Playwright Who Turned The Stage Into A Battlefield Against Apartheid

South African legendary theatre playwright Athol Fugard has passed away after a long illness.

Fugard, 92, has left an indelible mark on the South African theatre scene and played a crucial role in shedding light on the injustices of apartheid through his powerful storytelling.

With a portfolio surpassing thirty plays, Fugard's works included ' The Blood Knot', 'Master Harold ... and the Boys', ' The Road to Mecca', ' Boesman and Lena', and 'Tsotsi', which was later adapted into an Oscar-winning film.

Fugard also gave an incredible performance in the role of General Jan Smuts in Richard Attenboroughs film, 'Gandhi'.

His dedication to confronting social injustices earned him numerous accolades, including the Civic Honours from the City of Cape Town in 2023 and the prestigious Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from the South African government in 2005.