The Shadow of the Hummingbird

Overview

Athol Fugard returns to the stage after 15 years in his new play The Shadow of the Hummingbird which had its South African Premiere at The Fugard Studio and opened on 10 July 2014 before transferring to the Market theatre and a brief season at PACOFS in Bloemfontein before returning to the Fugard for a final season.

In The Shadow of the Hummingbird, Athol Fugard takes on the role of Oupa, a retired South African teacher living in self-imposed exile in Southern California, and is joined by his grandson, Boba. During one afternoon spent together, Oupa and Boba leap across a generational divide to teach and be taught and to be reminded that the transient beauty of the world is seen too briefly through unassuming eyes.

Details

First performance
10 July 2014

Final performance
26 July 2014

Venue
The Fugard Studio
10–26 July 2014

The Market Theatre
30 July–17 August 2014

PACOFS Bloemfontein
20–21 August 2014

The Fugard Studio
Return season
27–30 August 2014

Cast

Oupa
Athol Fugard

Boba
Marviantoz Baker

Creative team

Producers
Eric Abraham
Daniel Galloway

Director, Writer
Athol Fugard

Writer of the Introductory Scene, Co-Director
Paula Fourie

General Manager
Greg Karvellas

Design
Saul Radomsky

Lighting Design
Mannie Manim

Sound Design
James Webb

Production Co-Ordinators
Ben du Plessis
Roberto Grové

Stage Manager
Elisabet Nel

AV Design
Ben du Plessis
Lucan Visuals

Set Construction
Mark McKeown

Reviews

★★★★
“Vintage Fugard”

The Cape Argus

“By the end of the production Fugard has captured both your heart and the shadow with a firm, yet gentle grasp. May he never let go.”

The Cape Times