Dance in Master Harold and the Boys
The Metaphor of Dance in Fugard’s “Master Harold”…and the Boys In Athol Fugard’s play “Master Harold”… and the Boys dance becomes a metaphor for how society can work harmoniously together, yet there are conflicts that prevent it from happening. Specifically, ballroom dance becomes a metaphor to show the conflict between a cooperative society and the disappointment associated with life and our inability to force change. This is expressed by Sam teaching Willie the mastery of dance and also educating Hally on the significance of the championships, and ultimately through the final dance performance. The difficulty associated with perfection is first seen during the plays opening when Sam is teaching Willie how to perform the quickstep and foxtrot. Not only is Willie having trouble remembering all of the steps, as they are complicated, “Not straight, too stiff and now it’s also glide, give it more style, make it smooth,” but he is also frustrated that his partner, Hilda, is unable to perform them as well (1251). Willie is mad because he thinks Hilda is responsible for slowing their progress, which might ruin their chances of winning the championship that is in two weeks. Because of this, Willie, who seems to be a bit of a perfectionist, often takes his frustrations out by beating her (1252). He believes that in order to get Hilda to obey and to cooperate with him, he must show her his strength. However, it has the opposite effect and Hilda doesn’t show up to the rehearsals for several days. Sam points out, “Hiding on Sunday night, then Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday she doesn’t come to practice…and you are asking me why? (1252). Sam, who serves as a father figure and teacher, instructs Willie on what dance must be like. It should not be very serious, but happy and fun and should look like it is easy, although it is hard. “Ballroom must look happy, Willie, not like hard work. It must…Ja!....it must look like romance (1251-52).” He continues that dance is artistic
Cited: Klaus, Carl H., Carl H. Klaus, Miriam Gilbert, and Bradford S. Field. ""Master Harold"... and the Boys." Stages of Drama: Classical to Contemporary Theater. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin 's, 2003. 1251-269.