New South African Plays

About the editorCharles Fourie is one of the leading playwrights of his generation. His multi-award-winning plays have been produced at the Baxter Theatre, South Africa and at the Croydon Warehouse Theatre in London. He has been actively involved with promoting South African playwrights abroad.

• Introduction by Charles J. Fourie 6THE PLAYSWhat The Water Gave Me 16Rehane AbrahamsThe Playground 34Beverley NaidooTo House 88Ashwin SinghRejoice Burning 136James WhyleGreen Man Flashing 172Mike van GraanTaxi 222Sibusiso MambaUseful Links 254

The PlaysThe Playground by Beverly Naidoo“...it floats on a haunting, echoing raft of traditional South African harmonies that make watching it a joyful experience as well as a thought-provoking one...” Time Out Critics' Choice - Pick of the YearTaxi by Sibusiso Mamba: Edinburgh fringe first winner“a superbly written and produced play... A fine piece of work that's refreshingly free of cliches.” Daily Mail, Pick of the WeekGreen Man Flashing by Mike Van Graan“...This finely crafted drama tears at the heart and soul of our democracy, and rips at the underbelly of corruption and political power through its astute writing...” Star TonightRejoice by James Whylie“... the cruellest irony of all is left until the end... the same one which has spelled the death of Rejoice... And millions more.” Friends of BBC Radio 3What the Water Gave Me by Rehane Abrahams“tales that retrieve ancient magics and reveal contemporary terrors...” Cape TimesTo House by Ashwin Singh: Finalist in the 2003 PANSA (Performing Arts Network of SA) Festival of Reading of New Writing (the country's foremost playwriting contest)“To House is an important piece of theatre; in it people voice opinions that are uncomfortable and edgy. The cathartic and therapeutic value of hearing these things said aloud in a public place is part of our essential healing process and proves, once again, that art has the ability to go where angels fear to tread.” Daily News, Durban