A sad day for South African theatre as we mourn the passing of Athol Fugard

The Western Cape Government is saddened to hear the news of the passing of legendary playwright Athol Fugard.

Fugard published more than 30 plays in his lifetime, many of them focused on the injustices of the apartheid system. Many of his plays were produced and performed outside of South Africa, because of his commitment to not supporting segregation of audiences.

Some of his plays that made impressions both locally and internationally include The Blood Knot, Hello and Goodbye, Master Harold and the Boys and The Road to Mecca. His work brought audiences together through the messages of shared pain of the past and an inspired hope for a better future.

In 2010, the Fugard Theatre was opened in Cape Town in honour of this great playwright (the theatre re-opened after the Covid-19 pandemic under the new name of the Homecoming theatre).

The provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said: “It is a very sad day for South Africa. Athol Fugard was one of our country’s greatest playwrights, who managed to capture everyday stories of people in our country in every play. He had a unique way of turning the pain of the past into a story of hope for the future. His contribution to the arts is immeasurable.”

Premier Alan Winde said: “His penetrating, sharp wit has left an indelible mark on our shared cultural heritage, and his acute understanding of our country's political and cultural make up is unmatched. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. May his legacy live on in or theatres and beyond.”

Our condolences go out to his wife Paula, his family and all those who knew him and were moved by his words.

Media Enquiries:
Naude van der Merwe
Spokesperson to Minister Ricardo Mackenzie
Cell: 083 507 8703

Regan Thaw
Spokesperson to Premier Alan Winde
Cell: 083 627 7246