Background:

Born 11 June 1932 S.A. Playwright, novelist, actor and director Best known for political plays opposing Apartheid

and Academy- Award winning novel, Tsotsi. Recieved many rewards, honours and honorary degrees. Honorary fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Afrikaans mother and Irish father Married to Sheila Fugard → novelist and poet Daughter: Lisa Fugard → novelist

Career:

Worked as clerk in Native comissioners’ court where he became keenly aware of the injustices of apartheid.

The political impetus of his plays caused conflict with the government and his plays had to be produced and published outside of S.A. to avoid prosecution.

In 1958, Fugard organised "a multiracial theatre for which he wrote, directed, and acted", writing and producing several plays for it, including No-Good Friday (1958) and Nongogo(1959).→Supported the Anti-Apartheid movement.

The Blood Knot produced at the Cricet Theatre, Off Broadway, in New York City launched his American Career.