Nothing but the Truth

Dr. Priestley #44

by John Kani, Zakes Mda (Introduction)

An award-winning play about the relationship between brothers.

Nothing but the Truth is the story of two brothers, of sibling rivalry, of exile, of memory and reconciliation, and the ambiguities of freedom. The play was John Kani's debut as sole playwright and was first performed in the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. It won the 2003 Fleur du Cap Award for best actor and best new South African play. In the same year Kani was also awarded a special Obie award for his extraordinary contribution to theatre in the USA.

Genres: Plays, Fiction

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1947

Reviews

[Makubutu Nonkululeko Lekota · Rating 5 out of 5]

This play is sensationalist and it is very disturbing to read, the sexual innuedos and depictions are not appealing at all. The Glossary is very detailed and provided detailed information about the chronological history of South Africa during the 1990's and Post-Apartheid South Africa.

The character definitions between the two females are very good and are easy to follow, the identities of the two male characters, the brothers are very difficult to follow.

It was a privilege to study this play in-depth, my pupils did not always know the contents of the play very well, the standard of writing was extremely high and I would recommend this play as study piece for both Home language and First Additional Language pupils of English in South Africa an in some parts of Southern Africa.

[Hannah_Grace14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a seriously beautiful book and I’m glad I read it

[Matshepo]

how things were at this time in history is amazing. it was not as striking to thought or provoked an internal debate but i must say the play was great compared to the book

[Lathitha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a Wits Press copy. I enjoyed the pictures. This was a quick read. The reading of the play was a bit jarring, but I quickly grew accustomed. There were moments in the play where I thought another scene should've come before just to give me time to get there with the characters, moments within a scene were -I felt- spoon-feeding information to me but I brushed that off saying, "maybe this is how plays are", if so I hope not .

Despite the seemingly low rating, I enjoyed this. Learned a lot, like, how I didn't know much about mid90s RSA even though this was hardly a deepdive -and fictional- it was an entertaining educational experience.

[Nadine Potgieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a wonderful story, rich history and passion for the story written shows in the book.

[Monwe Ranko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it myself and then at school...

[Masande Nomkhosi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice book

[Siya]

want to read

[Lebekha Mathibedi]

John kani

[Zinhle Maseko]

Nothing but the truth by John Kani

[Nomaswazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I

[Lerato Naledi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a nice book and also interesting

[Benedict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uhm honestly I read this book long time ago while I was in grade 9, and I don't remember that much about it -_- but it wasn't bad at the time. I don't think I'd read it again though.

[Carli Pienaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of few uni readings I liked

[Tshegofatsow Ganyane]

Reading

[Itumeleng Mapate]

I love this book

[Yakamozkeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this at Grade 8 and was my favorite drama from this year. The plot twist that Themba could be Thando dad.We did not got to know who was her dad left me abit on a cliffhanger.

[Mthokozisi Shabalala · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is good I think cause it was my first book so I am still new to this habit.

[Nyakallo Lephoto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing But The Truth is a theatre play whose central theme is forgiveness and reconciliation.

The play gets its name from the oath that participants in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission had to take, swearing they would tell "The Truth, Nothing Else But the Truth".

On the play we see the Makhaya family from New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, confront their skeletons when one of them dies in exile in London.

Themba's death opens old wounds, causes conflict between Sipho, Mandisa and Thando yet at the same time brings them closer than they could ever be.

[Terri R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually saw this as a play rather than read it, but it was a wonderful, revealing, very South African, story.

[Sephiwe Mduduza Msiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's involves too emotions i almost felt like crying.i recommend this as the best book i've ever read ,wow i'm impressed.

[Mweshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Kani's account of truth, reconciliation and forgiveness made for a profound, thought provoking read and screen play. I love, love this book.

[Moeketsi Nicolaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was even living this book

[Chambers Stevens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite South African play.
I prefer Fugard.

[Pale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short read. Good as a stage production but not much as a book.

[Sesethu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to read it a heared that its intersting

[Tumelo Tjiane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgiveness...
Loved it!

[A NONGCOTSHOLO]

A.NONGCOTSHOLO

[Ntombizodwa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Please help I've been trying to read this book but I can't. It only shows me the cover page nothing more. How do I go about it.?

[Ariel ~ Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

great!!