Marigolds in August
Encyclopedia
Plot
The play portrays the tension between three people (two black - one white) trying to eke out a living.The play takes place near Port Elizabeth. Daan (a resident in a nearby township
Township (South Africa)
In South Africa, the term township and location usually refers to the urban living areas that, from the late 19th century until the end of Apartheid, were reserved for non-whites . Townships were usually built on the periphery of towns and cities...
where malnutrition and unemployment are rife) is walking to work at an apartheid whites-only resort where he works as a gardener. He encounters another unemployed black man - Melton - who is desperately looking for work. Daan is worried that Melton's presence will draw attention to him which is a problem as his passbook
Pass laws
Pass laws in South Africa were designed to segregate the population and limit severely the movements of the non-white populace. This legislation was one of the dominant features of the country's apartheid system. The Black population were required to carry these pass books with them when outside...
is no longer valid.
The pair struggle and argue and the appearance of a white man - Paulus (a snake catcher) - acts as a catalyst.
Daan realises that the apartheid system is often responsible for black-on-black violence. The only way to fight this is solidarity and compassion towards each other.
Film
In 1980, the play was adapted into a film directed by Ross Devenish, with Melton played by John KaniJohn Kani
Bonsile John Kani is a South African actor, director and playwright.He was born in New Brighton, South Africa.Kani joined The Serpent Players in Port Elizabeth in 1965 and helped to create many plays that went unpublished but were performed to a resounding reception.These...
, Athol Fugard as Paulus, and Winston Ntshona
Winston Ntshona
Winston Ntshona is a South African playwright and actor.Born in Port Elizabeth, Ntshona worked alongside fellow South African Athol Fugard on several occasions and played a minor role in Richard Attenborough's acclaimed film Gandhi....
as Daan.
Books
- Marigolds in August and The Guest: Two Screenplays, Athol Fugard, Theatre Communications Group Inc., 1992, ISBN 1-55-936059-3
Awards
In 1980, it won the Berlin Bear Anniversary Prize at the 30th Berlin International Film Festival30th Berlin International Film Festival
The 30th annual Berlin International Film Festival was held from February 18 to February 29, 1980.-Jury:* Ingrid Thulin * Betsy Blair* Mathieu Carrière* Alberto Isaac* Peter Kern* Károly Makk* Alexander Mitta* Alexandre Trauner...
.