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Overview

Synopsis

Set in apartheid South Africa in 1950, Master Harold…and the Boys is a coming of age drama that explores the relationship between a young white man, Hally, and his two middle-aged servants. These servants, Sam and Willie, are actually the closest thing to family that Hally has. Hally’s father is an alcoholic, disabled man who has been an embarrassment to Hally and his mother for years. When Hally learns that his father will finally be returning home from the hospital, he is devastated and upset. When Sam and Willie try to comfort him, Hally unleashes his anger on them instead of his father. Hally now becomes Master Harold, a racist young man who looks down on his two friends whom he views as inferior to himself. Both men are hurt, yet Sam tries to reconcile himself to the boy he has helped raise. But can the divides of deep-seated racism ever really be healed?

Show Information

Text And Format
Athol Fugard
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1982
Genres
Drama
Settings
Unit/Single Set, Period
Time & Place
1950, st. george’s park tea room, port elizabeth, south africa
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Samuel French
Ideal For
All-Male Cast, College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Late Teen, Adult, Mature Adult Characters

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Sam

Lead

Male

Hally/ Master Harold

Lead

Male

Willie

Supporting

Male

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress