A Note from Director Ron OJ Parson
This production of Sizwe Banzi is Dead marks the first time a classic play from South Africa has been presented at Court Theatre. The occasion is long overdue. When it was first performed in Cape Town in 1972, Sizwe Banzi was a powerful indictment of legal apartheid and its devastating effect on human dignity. Almost forty years later, I still find Athol Fugard’s play relevant: not only for those too young to remember South African apartheid, but also for those of us in need of renewed moral clarity about the human oppression that continues to take place around the world today.
Court’s production of Sizwe Banzi is Dead also marks the culmination of Chicago’s Fugard Festival 2010. This unique collaboration among three Chicago theatres—Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, TimeLine Theatre Company, and Court Theatre—has re-introduced Chicago to three of Athol Fugard’s major works: The Island, ‘Master Harold’…and the Boys, and now Sizwe Banzi is Dead. Whether you’re enjoying your third, second, or very first play in the festival, we’re glad you’re here, and I’m proud to take part in presenting this revival of Athol Fugard’s plays.
Finally, be sure to check out the newly announced plays in Court Theatre’s 2010/11 Season (including my production of Home by Samm-Art Williams, which you can catch later this year). In addition, Artistic Director Charlie Newell has asked me to serve as Artistic Consultant on our production of Porgy and Bess, a bold and controversial project that will surely generate much conversation. I’m very excited about the new season, and I hope I’ll see you again in the fall!
–Ron OJ Parson
