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★★★½ "POWERFUL" -Chicago Tribune

The Island

by Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Winston Ntshona
Directed by Gabrielle Randle-Bent

Nov 11, 2022 — Dec 04, 2022

★★★½ “The note of hope in this play, and it is rightly centered in this unpretentious and POWERFUL PRODUCTION, is that the human spirit is far harder to defeat than the body.” -Chicago Tribune

★★★½ “PROFOUNDLY MOVING… Randle-Bent propels the dialogue with a clarity that shines like a knife and an urgency that can’t be denied.” -Sun-Times

Reader RecommendedThe Island is a RIVETING, philosophically sophisticated play that is a MUST-SEE for fans of meaty theater.” -Chicago Reader

John and Winston are political prisoners on South Africa’s infamous Robben Island, spending their days toiling at grueling, futile tasks in the prison’s quarry. At night, they secretly rehearse a two-man version of Antigone and find solace and strength in their burgeoning friendship. The Island is at once a sobering glimpse into the social, physical, and psychological wounds of Apartheid; a lesson in the complex work of liberation; and a testament to the transformative power of theatre.

Associate Artistic Director Gabrielle Randle-Bent makes her solo directorial debut at Court, bringing her vision of resistance and resilience to the stage, featuring actors Ronald L. Conner and Kai A. Ealy.

Digital Program

Photo of Kai A. Ealy and Ronald L. Conner by Michael Brosilow.

Artistic Team

Cast

Videos

Photos

Articles and Interviews

Learning Guide: The Island

Find resources for educators to prepare for, and debrief, the production of THE ISLAND with students.

More Than Brothers

THE ISLAND Dramaturg Matthew Randle-Bent explores comradeship and resistance.

What is Devised Theatre?

THE ISLAND has its origins in devised theatre - but what is it? How did it influence the creation of this play?

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