Boesman and Lena: A play in two acts

by Athol Fugard

Two Black scavengers emerge from the underbrush loaded with their total the makings of a shack and a battery of pots and pans, but nothing to cook in them.

Genres: Plays, Drama, South Africa, Africa, Theatre, African Literature, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Athol Fugard was a South African playwright, novelist, actor, and director widely regarded as South Africa's greatest playwright. Acclaimed in 1985 as "the greatest active playwright in the English-speaking world" by Time, he published more than thirty plays. He was best known for his political and penetrating plays opposing the system of apartheid, some of which have been adapted to film. His novel Tsotsi was adapted as a film of the same name, which won an Academy Award in 2005. It was directed by Gavin Hood.
Fugard also served as an adjunct professor of playwriting, acting and directing in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of California, San Diego.
Fugard received many awards, honours, and honorary degrees, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from the government of South Africa in 2005 "for his excellent contribution and achievements in the theatre". He was also an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Fugard was honoured in Cape Town with the opening in 2010 of the Fugard Theatre in District Six. He received a Tony Award for lifetime achievement in 2011.

Reviews

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A play that goes around in circles, and ends without progress or purpose. Definitely part of the theatre of the absurd. Still an excellent play with a clear political message.

[Husna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every life has a story. And desperation is often confused with insanity.

Fugard gives us a glimpse of a mere few hours into the life of two people who carry their lives on their backs. He reiterates the timeless reminder that nothing is black and white, and that there is a reason for every pain inflicted by one person on another. This short play is intense in its use of simple words to convey complex meanings.

While I do not wish to deprecate Romeo and Juliet, I do believe that Bowsman and Lena is far more significant to the South African context, and should be a study requirement in the education system. It provides insight into Apartheid from those who were, and have remained at the bottom of the system. While Apartheid may be abolished, the trials faced by Boesman and Lena are still abhorrently present today throughout the world.

[Corrine | · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great play by Athol Fugard. A must-read if you are looking for insight into the days of apartheid. On the surface, it's a look into History, but deeper, it explores themes of self-worth, bitterness, marriage, and so much more!

[Mercy]

Fugard Athol

[Simon Levy · Rating 3 out of 5]

found it dark and bordering on misogynistic

[Emilia Rosén · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope.
2 stars is very generous.

[Aamir Rasool · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for University. It was only 60pgs so why not add it to my read list hehe. This was okay, nothing special but does make some great commentary on race and identity.

[Naledi Mokoena · Rating 4 out of 5]

its a great read. i loved the book and would easily recommend it.
I love how it is relevant to the times of apartheid and how it have shown a certain light to things.
I enjoyed reading it and exploring the different themes in it.