road to mecca
Road to Mecca by Athol Fugard
ENG1501
Plot, Characterization and Themes
Background Information
Athol Fugard
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Born in 1932 in the Eastern Cape.
Afrikaans mother, English father.
Qualified as a mechanic, degree in social anthropology, worked as a sailor. Started theatre group in 1954 and wrote plays performed in the Labia.
Married actress Sheila Meiring.
Many black friends: wrote of these experiences. Kept diary which was his source of ideas for writing.
Director, actor, playwright, novelist.
Works deal with relationships and racial issues.
2 character plays, marginalised people. Background Information
Helen Martins
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Born in Nieu Bethesda 1898
Close to mother, troubled relationship with father
Trained at as a teacher
Married man from Nieu Bethesda
Husband a diplomat: travelled
Europe and Far East with him
Two abortions during marriage – afraid her child would be born with horns and cloven hooves
After divorce, waitress in Muizenberg
Returned to Nieu Bethesda to care for parents until their death
Drifted away from conventional social fabric of Nieu Bethesda
Married again, a furniture restorer
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Engrossed in art, neglected appearance
Shy, introspective, considered an eccentric Plagued by arthritis and failing vision in later years
Suicide 1976: drank caustic soda
Cremated and ashes scattered in Camel
Yard
Background Information
The Owl House
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Helen wanted to brighten up her life:
Altered her house: larger windows, mirrors, crushed glass, candles, lamps
Transformed her yard: dominated by statues 400 statues, constructed by Helen and 3 employed men
Koos Malgas helped worked with her for last 12 years of her life; responsible for most of restoration in 1980s
Difficulty to sculpt (arthritis) and little faith in own artistic skills (worked from pictures, pictures drawn by others and
ENG1501
Plot, Characterization and Themes
Background Information
Athol Fugard
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Born in 1932 in the Eastern Cape.
Afrikaans mother, English father.
Qualified as a mechanic, degree in social anthropology, worked as a sailor. Started theatre group in 1954 and wrote plays performed in the Labia.
Married actress Sheila Meiring.
Many black friends: wrote of these experiences. Kept diary which was his source of ideas for writing.
Director, actor, playwright, novelist.
Works deal with relationships and racial issues.
2 character plays, marginalised people. Background Information
Helen Martins
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Born in Nieu Bethesda 1898
Close to mother, troubled relationship with father
Trained at as a teacher
Married man from Nieu Bethesda
Husband a diplomat: travelled
Europe and Far East with him
Two abortions during marriage – afraid her child would be born with horns and cloven hooves
After divorce, waitress in Muizenberg
Returned to Nieu Bethesda to care for parents until their death
Drifted away from conventional social fabric of Nieu Bethesda
Married again, a furniture restorer
•
•
•
•
•
Engrossed in art, neglected appearance
Shy, introspective, considered an eccentric Plagued by arthritis and failing vision in later years
Suicide 1976: drank caustic soda
Cremated and ashes scattered in Camel
Yard
Background Information
The Owl House
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Helen wanted to brighten up her life:
Altered her house: larger windows, mirrors, crushed glass, candles, lamps
Transformed her yard: dominated by statues 400 statues, constructed by Helen and 3 employed men
Koos Malgas helped worked with her for last 12 years of her life; responsible for most of restoration in 1980s
Difficulty to sculpt (arthritis) and little faith in own artistic skills (worked from pictures, pictures drawn by others and