In a classroom in a small Eastern Cape Karoo town in South Africa in 1984, Mr. M, an idealistic teacher, seeks to provide a future for his gifted student Thami by forming a debate team with Isabel, a spirited student from the local white school. But outside the classroom Mr. M’s hopes for Thami are challenged by their generational divide and increasing political unrest.
What Is the Story of My Children! My Africa!?
Set in 1984, My Children! My Africa! is the story of Mr. M, an impassioned teacher at a black school in South Africa. Mr. M seeks a better life for his most promising student, Thami, by providing extra opportunities. When Mr. M forms a debate team with Thami and Isabel, an eager and competitive student from the nearby white school, Thami finds his passion and voice. Soon, the young man becomes less focused on his studies and more involved with political unrest in the community, creating a generational rift between Thami and his teacher. As Mr. M tries to convince Thami that words, not violence, are the answer to South Africa’s problems, Thami must decide whether to follow Mr. M’s advice or take to the streets to advocate for an end to apartheid.
"Between Athol Fugard’s potent script and the cast that brings it vividly to life, Signature’s new production of “My Children! My Africa!” packs a one-two wallop. It deserves both of those exclamation points."
New York Daily News
Joe Dziemianowicz
"[The] actors give a visceral life to sustained poetic notions that find the human inconsistency and inexorability in Mr. Fugard’s careful images. "
The New York Times
Ben Brantley
"Best of all is Stephen Tyrone Williams as Thami, breathing truth into a gentle soul set ablaze by the poverty, starvation and humiliation all around him."
Bloomberg Businessweek
Jeremy Gerard