My Children! My Africa! | Nov 17, 18, 19 & 24, 2015
By Athol Fugard; Directed by James A. Williams
Recommended Grade Level: 9-12
The Setting: South Africa, 1984
Suggested Area of Study and Discussion: Global Studies,
Apartheid, South African History and Literature, The Plays of Athol Fugard, Educational Inequality, The Achievement Gap, Non-Violent vs Violent Activism, The Radicalization of Youth, Race and Education
The Story: An idealistic teacher in a black South African township school seeks to provide a future for his gifted student, Thami, by pairing him with Isabel, a spirited student from the local white school to form a debate team. As Isabel and Thami practice for the State Literary Competition, quizzing each other on the works of Keats, Shelley, and Coleridge, they begin to form a deep intellectual bond that transcends the divisions of Apartheid. When Thami becomes radicalized by members of The Black Freedom Movement, and the group boycotts Mr. M’s school to protest the educational inequality mandated by apartheid law, Mr. M’s life is in danger and Thami must choose between his beloved teacher and a protest movement he believes in. Fugard uses the struggle between the passionate Thami, the intellectual Mr. M, and the compassionate Isabel to embody different ways to effect political change. Written in 1989 shortly before the end of apartheid, My Children! My Africa! presents an honest and unflinching portrait of a country on the brink of revolution and is a testament to the power and potential of youth, hope, and ideas.
Student Tickets: $14
Chaperone Tickets: One free for every 20 students (Additional chaperones $14)
Performance Length: 2 hours 15 minutes (Including Intermission)
Location: Park Square’s Andy Boss Thrust Stage
sponsored by
Mainstream Guide — view/download PDF
Park Square Theatre Study Guides are created for teachers by teachers to introduce students to the world of the play.
The guides contain plot summary, character information, and activities and articles that help establish the historical, literary and cultural context of the play. Study Guides are designed to be classroom-ready, allowing educators to duplicate materials for easy distribution to students.
mid-morning matinees – call for times
For reservations:
Please contact Quinn Shadko
Phone: 651.291.9196
Email: education@parksquaretheatre.org
Student Matinee Ticket Pricing
Student Tickets: $14
Chaperone Tickets: One free for every 20 students (Additional chaperones $14)
- To assist you with your planning we can divide your school’s invoice into two easy payments.*
- Payments can be made by check or credit card
- Credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
- Please note that Park Square Theatre cannot accept individual checks from students
*dependent on time of booking
For reservations:
Please contact Quinn Shadko
Phone: 651.291.9196
Email: education@parksquaretheatre.org
Performance Calendar:
mid-morning matinees – call for times