A Voice I Cannot Silence

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A moving and empathetic personal examination of life as portrayed through Alan Paton’s own words, stories, poems, and autobiographies. The play highlights the invaluable contribution made by the author of Cry, The Beloved Country. Alan Paton’s internationally recognised gifts of lyric verse, evocative prose, and vibrant storytelling are combined to create a richly dramatic portrait of the dark days leading up to South Africa’s democracy.

National Arts Festival Main / Hilton Arts Festival / The Durban Playhouse / The South African State Theatre / The Theatre on the Square / The Fugard Theatre

Nominated for eight Naledi Awards including Best Production and Best Director

Nominated for three Fleur du Cap Awards including Best New Play

Winner of three Naledi Awards including Best New Play

“The play is nothing short of a masterpiece …deeply incisive …an important and beautiful reflection of one of South Africa’s heroes.” – Robyn Sasson (My View)

“Lawson’s towering presence gives the character its body and soul …a consummate performer …a brilliantly written slice of theatre, impeccably directed by Greg Homann” – Peter Feldman (48 hours)

“Lawson inhabits Alan Paton… this part could have been made for him … A skilled distillation of much source material … directed with flair by Homann” – Nigel Vermaas (CUE)

“Lawson gives a superb performance, re-creating the well-remembered mannerisms of the writer and convincing in both his strength and his frailties.” – Margaret von Klemperer (Artsmart)

“…this captivating drama was marked by deft direction by Greg Homann…it was of note too for excellent casting and fine performances” – Billy Suter (The Mercury)

Produced by the Arts Trust of South Africa in association with the National Arts Festival and The South African State Theatre

Written by Greg Homann & Ralph Lawson

Directed by Greg Homann

Set Design by Nadya Cohen

Lighting Design by Michael Broderick

Soundscape by Evan Roberts

Company Manager – Murray Angus-Leppan

Management – Sue Clarence

With thanks to The Alan Paton Wills Trust, The Alan Paton Centre & Struggle Archives, and Anne Paton.

CAST

Ralph Lawson

Claire Mortimer

Menzi Mkhwane