‘Master Harold’… and the boys @ National Theatre (21 Sept-17 Dec)

Apartheid South Africa. St George’s Park Tea Room, Port Elizabeth, 1950. On a long rainy afternoon, employees Sam and Willie practise their steps for the finals of the ballroom dancing championship.

Hally arrives from school to hide out in his parents’ tea room. These two men have been unlikely best friends to Hally his whole life. But it is apartheid era South Africa: he’s Master Harold, and they are the boys.

Frustrated at the thought of having to look after father, Hally lashes out at Sam by repeating a cruel and racist joke. Lines of colour and race are drawn and a violent confrontation ensues from which little signs of reconciliation seems possible.

Tony Award-winning playwright Athol Fugard’s semi-autobiographical and blistering masterwork explores the nature of friendship, and the ways people are capable of hurting even those they love.

21 Sept-17 Dec, ‘Master Harold’… and the boys, National Theatre, SE1 9PX, Tickets and details: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/master-harold-and-the-boys