MASTER HAROLD... AND THE BOYS Opens 2/14 at Aurora Theatre

Aurora Theatre continues the 2012-2013 Harvel Lab Series sponsored by Georgia Gwinnett College with enduring classic Master Harold... and the boys written by celebrated South African playwright Athol Fugard, from February 14 through March 3, 2013.

About Master Harold... and the boys
An ordinary rainy afternoon in 1950's South Africa turns into a life-changing experience for 17-year old Hally. His two beloved servants become his confidants through a lifetime of family turmoil. Written 30 years ago, this award-winning masterpiece is still timely and compelling, yet told with the stunning grace of a perfect ballroom dance. It reminds us that honor does not reside in the color of a man's skin.

Aurora Theatre Director of Education, Jaclyn Hofmann will direct this award-winning drama. The cast includes Rob Cleveland, who has performed on the stages of ALLIANCE THEATRE, Theatrical Outfit, Georgia Shakespeare among others. He is a storyteller in residence at Fernbank and an award-winning children's book author. Rob is making his Aurora Theatre debut in the role of Sam, a role that earned a Tony Award for Zakes Mokae in the original Broadway production. Also making his Aurora Theatre debut is Christopher Watson (Macbeth, Georgia Shakespeare, Tyler Perry's House of Payne). Making his Atlanta debut is Hazen Cuyler, a New York transplant with impressive off-off Broadway and regional theatre credits. Interestingly, Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price, the director of Aurora's hit world premiere musical Clyde 'n Bonnie: A Folktale, originated the role of Hally on Broadway in 1982 and later directed the 2010 film version that featured Ving Rhames.

About the Playwright
Athol Fugard has spent a lifetime working in the theatre as a playwright, director and actor since the mid-fifties in South Africa, England and the United States. Mr. Fugard received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre in 2011. Master Harold... and the boys is considered his crowning achievement, the play was nominated for a Tony award and winner of the Drama Desk award, London Critic's Circle award and the London Evening Standard award. His work as a playwright includes titles such as; Train Driver, No-Good Friday, Non-Gogo, Blood Knot, Hello and Goodbye, People Are Living There, Boesman and Lena, Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act, Sizwe Banzi Is Dead, Dimetos, The Island, A Lesson From Aloes, Master Harold... and the boys, The Road to Mecca, A Place With the Pigs, My Children! My Africa!, Playland, Valley Song, The Captain's Tiger, Sorrows & Rejoicings, Exits and Entrances, Victory and Coming Home. He has appeared on stage in South Africa, London, Broadway, Off-Broadway and across the United States. His film credits include: The Road to Mecca, Gandhi, The Killing Fields, Meeting with Remarkable Men, Marigolds in August, Boesman and Lena and The Guest. He has written one novel, Tsotsi, a film version of which was made in South Africa and recently won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film. Mr. Fugard has also published a fascinating autobiographical entitled, Cousin.

Producer Quote
Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez how this play fits in the Harvel Lab Series, "Until now, the Harvel Lab Series consisted of exciting contemporary plays. Although Master Harold is a classic, it touches on issues as race and equality, which continue to dominate our headlines and spark debate. With February being Black History month, this play provides us with a great opportunity to serve the next generation of theatergoers, especially the students of Georgia Gwinnett College whose continued support makes this series possible."

The Harvel Lab Series
Generously sponsored by Georgia Gwinnett College, The Harvel Lab Series includes 3 shows: Tigers Be Still, Master Harold... and the boys, Burundanga, produced in conjunction with Teatro Del Sol, Atlanta's only professional Spanish language theatre.