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The Island
First published January 1, 1973
11 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Athol Fugard
156 books137 followersAthol Fugard was a South African playwright, novelist, actor, and director widely regarded as South Africa's greatest playwright. Acclaimed in 1985 as "the greatest active playwright in the English-speaking world" by Time, he published more than thirty plays. He was best known for his political and penetrating plays opposing the system of apartheid, some of which have been adapted to film. His novel Tsotsi was adapted as a film of the same name, which won an Academy Award in 2005. It was directed by Gavin Hood.
Fugard also served as an adjunct professor of playwriting, acting and directing in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of California, San Diego.
Fugard received many awards, honours, and honorary degrees, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from the government of South Africa in 2005 "for his excellent contribution and achievements in the theatre". He was also an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Fugard was honoured in Cape Town with the opening in 2010 of the Fugard Theatre in District Six. He received a Tony Award for lifetime achievement in 2011.
Fugard also served as an adjunct professor of playwriting, acting and directing in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of California, San Diego.
Fugard received many awards, honours, and honorary degrees, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from the government of South Africa in 2005 "for his excellent contribution and achievements in the theatre". He was also an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Fugard was honoured in Cape Town with the opening in 2010 of the Fugard Theatre in District Six. He received a Tony Award for lifetime achievement in 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 18, 2022
Quite an intriguing read that I’ve worked through as part of my Open Uni course, after rereading Antigone a few days ago.
January 25, 2018
Interessante adaptatie van Antigone, overgeheveld naar Zuid-Afrika in apartheidtijd. Hier een zin als 'Antigone bevat universele waarden die telkens in nieuwe contexten relevant zijn, zie hier een voorbeeld' maar dat klinkt zo saai.
February 6, 2012
Very quick read, and equally enjoyable. I enjoyed Fugard's use of Antigone as an intertext, especially because, if I'm not mistaken, the prisoners on Robben Island actually did put on this play. Antigone's reminder that King Creon is just one individual--and a fallible one as well-- forces the characters and the reader to remember that the National Party, and its Apartheid policies, are equally as human. Creon, and his 20th century political descendents, views himself as metonymic with the state-- a human construction he hopes to put forward as divinely inspired. To remind the characters in the play, and the readers/audience, is to call everyone to action.
April 4, 2019
This was quite a short one, and even after two seminars I haven't got that much to say about it.
It's not boring or uninteresting - John and Winston are perfectly capable subjects for the play, and it's constructed very clearly, with some basic setups and payoffs and symbolism. I think really it feels quite minimal in its effect, and would probably need a really exciting performance from the two leads to really captivate me however.
I could talk about the problems with Fugard writing about Apartheid and prisoners on Robben Island as a white South African, but I think the main sin of this play is that it's not very memorable. There have been a large variety of plays on this course, ones that have very different, almost conflicting, messages. But even when I'm being lectured by Mankind on what I need to do to avoid going to hell, I'm still enjoying the slapstick. With this though, I agree with the message: Apartheid is bad, imprisoning those who protest against Apartheid is bad, but I don't think the play communicates this in a very interesting way.
It's not boring or uninteresting - John and Winston are perfectly capable subjects for the play, and it's constructed very clearly, with some basic setups and payoffs and symbolism. I think really it feels quite minimal in its effect, and would probably need a really exciting performance from the two leads to really captivate me however.
I could talk about the problems with Fugard writing about Apartheid and prisoners on Robben Island as a white South African, but I think the main sin of this play is that it's not very memorable. There have been a large variety of plays on this course, ones that have very different, almost conflicting, messages. But even when I'm being lectured by Mankind on what I need to do to avoid going to hell, I'm still enjoying the slapstick. With this though, I agree with the message: Apartheid is bad, imprisoning those who protest against Apartheid is bad, but I don't think the play communicates this in a very interesting way.
March 10, 2020
3,5 / 5 stars!
The Island is a play that follows two men, John and Winston, while they're imprisoned in Robben Island Prison (the same prison where Nelson Mandela was held) during the Apartheid era. It is based on a true story of prisoners staging Antigone- which is a highly political choice.
I actually finished this last week but waited on it so we could study it in class- I was originally planning on giving The Island a three star rating but now that I know its history -since it was produced and shown to the non-white population during the Apartheid when it would have been absolutely illegal - its bravery is something to be acknowledged for sure, so I upped it half a point.
(quick side note here: my ratings are only about my enjoyment of the book and nothing more. I think this play really was revolutionary, especially when it was first performed by the two black co-authors who improvised most of it. Also, my reading of this play informed me on the Apartheid period in South Africa which I really have been terribly ignorant about up until this point in my life- Had I been informed earlier on I may have had a completely different reaction, but I'm just rambling here. Google the Apartheid if you are as clueless as I was, thanks!)
Overall, I thought it was a short and impactful play but from the videos I have seen online, I gather that seeing it performed live would have been much more poweful. Would recommend seeing it live or reading it-especially if you are interested or want to educate yourself on the topic. Thanks!
The Island is a play that follows two men, John and Winston, while they're imprisoned in Robben Island Prison (the same prison where Nelson Mandela was held) during the Apartheid era. It is based on a true story of prisoners staging Antigone- which is a highly political choice.
I actually finished this last week but waited on it so we could study it in class- I was originally planning on giving The Island a three star rating but now that I know its history -since it was produced and shown to the non-white population during the Apartheid when it would have been absolutely illegal - its bravery is something to be acknowledged for sure, so I upped it half a point.
(quick side note here: my ratings are only about my enjoyment of the book and nothing more. I think this play really was revolutionary, especially when it was first performed by the two black co-authors who improvised most of it. Also, my reading of this play informed me on the Apartheid period in South Africa which I really have been terribly ignorant about up until this point in my life- Had I been informed earlier on I may have had a completely different reaction, but I'm just rambling here. Google the Apartheid if you are as clueless as I was, thanks!)
Overall, I thought it was a short and impactful play but from the videos I have seen online, I gather that seeing it performed live would have been much more poweful. Would recommend seeing it live or reading it-especially if you are interested or want to educate yourself on the topic. Thanks!
September 15, 2020
Powerful
March 3, 2017
“The Island” by Athol Fugard is short but deeply moving. This short-story follows two prisoners, John and Winston, who have been imprisoned on Robben Island for unknown reasons. The two men are tasked with performing the ancient Greek tragedy, “Antigone”, for a concert that is being put together by the inmates. However, a few days before their performance the two men are given the bittersweet news that John’s sentence had been shortened to three months. Meanwhile, Winston will have to continue to serve his life sentence. The story ends shortly after the two men conclude their performance, leaving both the fates of John and Winston to the imagination of the reader.
Although it is said from the start that both men are criminals, it is still easy to grow fond of them throughout the story. Their friendship is solid and built up from the beginning. This makes the reader feel even more sympathy when they are given the news that John only has three months left. You feel happiness for John because he is able to go home to his wife and children; but there is still that lingering sadness for Winston. These men have spent the past seven years of their lives sharing a jail cell and because of this a tight bond is formed. They have a brotherly love for each other and created a routine to keep one another going.
Both men are black and this play is set during a time where apartheid was a large issue in South Africa. This allows the inference to be made that they are most likely in jail because they were protesting the apartheid laws in some way. This connection can lead back to Antigone as this is exactly what she did in the play. Antigone protested the law that prevented her from burying her brother, Polyneices, which was put in place by her uncle, King Creon. The protagonists in both “The Island” and “Antigone” were protesting laws that opposed doing what was morally right.
The writing style in this play is very rich and you really get a feel as to what life was like to be stuck on that island. The imagery in the parentheticals does an excellent job of letting you know exactly where you are. It is a play so all of the actions are written out, but that almost makes everything more vivid in your mind. The friendship between John and Winston is written so well. You can tell how much they care for one another in their words and actions. It isn’t until the end of the play that you realize that they will never be able to see each other again and the emotions they are feeling when the characters themselves start to realize this.
“Forget me...because I’m going to forget you. Yes, I will forget you. Others will come in here, John, count, go, and I’ll forget them. Still more will come, count like you, go like you, and I will forget them. And then one day, it will all be over.”
This quote in particular really shows the pain that Winston goes through when he learns of John’s appeal being approved. It is obvious that Winstone will never forget John and vice versa. Both men know this and yet they feel the need to hide their feelings from each other. It is their way of sparing their own feelings and the others feelings, when in reality both of them are suffering.
Overall, this play is a great companion to anyone who is reading Antigone or someone who just wants a quick, moving read. The author did a stellar job at weaving in similar themes from Antigone, such as civil disobedience and oppression. The writing was beautifully stylized and did an excellent job at conveying everything the characters were feeling. You easily come to care for these characters and their emotions become your own. “The Island” is an excellent play to read or watch. It is a must read for anyone that wants a clear perspective as to what life was like for those who protested apartheid.
Although it is said from the start that both men are criminals, it is still easy to grow fond of them throughout the story. Their friendship is solid and built up from the beginning. This makes the reader feel even more sympathy when they are given the news that John only has three months left. You feel happiness for John because he is able to go home to his wife and children; but there is still that lingering sadness for Winston. These men have spent the past seven years of their lives sharing a jail cell and because of this a tight bond is formed. They have a brotherly love for each other and created a routine to keep one another going.
Both men are black and this play is set during a time where apartheid was a large issue in South Africa. This allows the inference to be made that they are most likely in jail because they were protesting the apartheid laws in some way. This connection can lead back to Antigone as this is exactly what she did in the play. Antigone protested the law that prevented her from burying her brother, Polyneices, which was put in place by her uncle, King Creon. The protagonists in both “The Island” and “Antigone” were protesting laws that opposed doing what was morally right.
The writing style in this play is very rich and you really get a feel as to what life was like to be stuck on that island. The imagery in the parentheticals does an excellent job of letting you know exactly where you are. It is a play so all of the actions are written out, but that almost makes everything more vivid in your mind. The friendship between John and Winston is written so well. You can tell how much they care for one another in their words and actions. It isn’t until the end of the play that you realize that they will never be able to see each other again and the emotions they are feeling when the characters themselves start to realize this.
“Forget me...because I’m going to forget you. Yes, I will forget you. Others will come in here, John, count, go, and I’ll forget them. Still more will come, count like you, go like you, and I will forget them. And then one day, it will all be over.”
This quote in particular really shows the pain that Winston goes through when he learns of John’s appeal being approved. It is obvious that Winstone will never forget John and vice versa. Both men know this and yet they feel the need to hide their feelings from each other. It is their way of sparing their own feelings and the others feelings, when in reality both of them are suffering.
Overall, this play is a great companion to anyone who is reading Antigone or someone who just wants a quick, moving read. The author did a stellar job at weaving in similar themes from Antigone, such as civil disobedience and oppression. The writing was beautifully stylized and did an excellent job at conveying everything the characters were feeling. You easily come to care for these characters and their emotions become your own. “The Island” is an excellent play to read or watch. It is a must read for anyone that wants a clear perspective as to what life was like for those who protested apartheid.
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April 25, 2022Studied for OU
September 13, 2019
Powerful story.
Read
March 8, 2021*for uni*
November 6, 2023
Just saw a live production for the first time.
Certainly engrossing.
I understand the writer's point of spending ten minutes with the actors miming a horrific and senseless work detail -- but frankly, it had made its point with me after the first three minutes, and i was impatient to get on with things. I guess American movies make us impatient -- but truly, exhausting the audience is not necessarily going to make them more empathic.
It is not just a political play. It does not spend all that much time on governmental oppression, though that is clearly its instigation. It spends more time on survival, and how to do that within one's own mind and in relationship with others.
It is also about the use of art and thought for expression and survival.
None of this is terribly new, though. There had been thirty years of movies about American slavery survival and concentration camp survival by the time this was written.
Frankly, it fails to ask the hardest questions: SPOILER ALERT for the rest of this: What if the cappo in this story tried to use the two men against each other, offering early release or better treatment if one turned on the other. What would happen then? And: what exactly was gained by the small gesture these men seem to have made against the state? Was it worth this imprisonment? Should there have been more discussion of that? (It was passed over very briefly at one point.) Film scripts and novels about the choices people have to make in wartime between their principles and their friends and their families and the consequences to others of rebellion -- these are much more complex and difficult than what is done in this short play.
Certainly engrossing.
I understand the writer's point of spending ten minutes with the actors miming a horrific and senseless work detail -- but frankly, it had made its point with me after the first three minutes, and i was impatient to get on with things. I guess American movies make us impatient -- but truly, exhausting the audience is not necessarily going to make them more empathic.
It is not just a political play. It does not spend all that much time on governmental oppression, though that is clearly its instigation. It spends more time on survival, and how to do that within one's own mind and in relationship with others.
It is also about the use of art and thought for expression and survival.
None of this is terribly new, though. There had been thirty years of movies about American slavery survival and concentration camp survival by the time this was written.
Frankly, it fails to ask the hardest questions: SPOILER ALERT for the rest of this: What if the cappo in this story tried to use the two men against each other, offering early release or better treatment if one turned on the other. What would happen then? And: what exactly was gained by the small gesture these men seem to have made against the state? Was it worth this imprisonment? Should there have been more discussion of that? (It was passed over very briefly at one point.) Film scripts and novels about the choices people have to make in wartime between their principles and their friends and their families and the consequences to others of rebellion -- these are much more complex and difficult than what is done in this short play.
July 15, 2025
A hard read in context of politics, message and translation. This was a set text after reading Antigone for my studies.
The island follows the political social injustice and harsh reality of life imprisonment in racial divide in South Africa. Where the plays were an outlet but also another death sentence if caught. They talk of the chance of freedom even though it couldn’t get anymore seldom, bleak. Where the law is questionable, and many still oppressed under one supposedly a ‘dutiful’ figure.
The irony, the foreshadowing, mirroring and symbolism - as a devout literature lover, I truly can’t express how impactful these words are, they speak volumes on the page and between the lines if you’re willing to open your eyes.
The parallels between Antigone and the island - I just see metaphoric imagery of matryoshka, casing upon casing - the lines blur yet still sing the same chorus, the same message demanding to be heard. They are back in the same place they started, the cyclical rhythm continues so does the repetition and monotonous actions.
Very intriguing read, quite graphic in language and to the mind.
The island follows the political social injustice and harsh reality of life imprisonment in racial divide in South Africa. Where the plays were an outlet but also another death sentence if caught. They talk of the chance of freedom even though it couldn’t get anymore seldom, bleak. Where the law is questionable, and many still oppressed under one supposedly a ‘dutiful’ figure.
The irony, the foreshadowing, mirroring and symbolism - as a devout literature lover, I truly can’t express how impactful these words are, they speak volumes on the page and between the lines if you’re willing to open your eyes.
The parallels between Antigone and the island - I just see metaphoric imagery of matryoshka, casing upon casing - the lines blur yet still sing the same chorus, the same message demanding to be heard. They are back in the same place they started, the cyclical rhythm continues so does the repetition and monotonous actions.
Very intriguing read, quite graphic in language and to the mind.
May 27, 2022
Such a thought provoking play, I read this for uni alongside Antigone by Sophocles and I found they helped in my understanding of each other.
Learning the background and context behind The Island was eye opening.
Mild spoiler warning: I found the character who played Antigone in the prison production at the end added such a powerful layer of context that wouldn't have held the same meaning the other way around, the links between the two characters made the characters words far more meaningful. I think my favourite scene was an improvised phone call in the middle, it showed how acting and improvisation was a comfort to them in such an awful place.
This isn't my usual area of interest, I wouldn't have even known it existed if it hadn't been part of my course this year, however I'm glad I read it and learnt about its themes. Really powerful piece, if I hear of a production I will definitely be interested in watching it!
Learning the background and context behind The Island was eye opening.
Mild spoiler warning: I found the character who played Antigone in the prison production at the end added such a powerful layer of context that wouldn't have held the same meaning the other way around, the links between the two characters made the characters words far more meaningful. I think my favourite scene was an improvised phone call in the middle, it showed how acting and improvisation was a comfort to them in such an awful place.
This isn't my usual area of interest, I wouldn't have even known it existed if it hadn't been part of my course this year, however I'm glad I read it and learnt about its themes. Really powerful piece, if I hear of a production I will definitely be interested in watching it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2020
Inspirational, clever, sad, witty - a tale of everyday survival ... The laws of goodness and humanity, the natural laws versus the laws of the state ... the old Greek story of Antigone, but under apartheid ... Powerful stuff ...
May 23, 2022
Saddening depiction of the conditions of life as a prisoner on Robben Island during apartheid in South Africa, with heartwarming glimmers of hope and fraternity. If I've understood correctly, this piece was one of the key pieces in the struggle against apartheid.
April 16, 2023
Gained an extra star after studying the history and background behind the play, very interesting representation about the unfair treatment during the apartheid and was a protest to free Nelson mandala.
Found it interesting once studying!
Found it interesting once studying!
April 16, 2025
I read this because of university, and I am very happy that I was exposed to this. I’m always looking out for South African authors and playwrights- of course, I should have read Athol Fugard… can’t believe it’s taken me this long.
January 16, 2018
Very short but very good.
April 20, 2018
A short and thought-provoking play! Gives meaningful insight into the lives of prisoners on Robben Island.
October 23, 2018
Loved the meta-theatrical aspect of this play. I really love all my literature texts - cannot emphasise this enough!!!
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November 16, 2021From what I understand, John and Winston tried to escape/run together? Pleasantly surprised at that ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2022
A very powerful and moving read set during the apartheid.
Along with Antigone by Sophocles these are two stories I had to read and write about for my English literature and creative writing degree.
Along with Antigone by Sophocles these are two stories I had to read and write about for my English literature and creative writing degree.
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April 6, 2023Part of my university course again.
May 8, 2023
Studied for degree, Was an interesting play to work with showing what it was like back in the day in south Africa and was interesting how a play was put into a play.
May 21, 2023
part of my uni course to read, ended up enjoying it a lot and learning about apartheid era South Africa
October 17, 2023
A very good and thought-provoking play. Thoughts to follow. 4*
December 30, 2023
as a reader, i rate this 3 stars, but as a lit student i rate it 4 - it was one of my favourite texts to analyse in intro to lit!
January 23, 2024
Enjoyed, not much to say at this time. I need to do more research into context and intertextuality.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews