Classic "Master Harold and the Boys" is Poignant and Intense

San Francisco's Off Broadway West Theatre Company presents a play which speaks to all the emotions...excitement, frustration, indignation, sadness, joy, anger, and love.  The plot takes place on an afternoon of reflections and questions among a spoiled young white man and his two black Afrikan servants in 1950's South Africa.   The intensity of their interaction, the razor-sharp dialog, and the absolute purity of the actors' portrayals, is astounding.  It's a treat to be up close and personal in this 50-seat comfortable theater. 

The setting is a tea room, with two of the staff busy at their tasks.  Sam is a middle-aged black man during Apartheid, under the social and political policy of racial segregation and discrimination.  He has enjoyed a comfortable relationship with young Master Harold, the boss's son, for many years.  As the caring and surrogate father figure, Sam challenges the youngster to greater wisdom.  With time and the young man's changing moods, it becomes clear that Sam cannot overcome the bias and superior entitlement of his charge.  Willie, a younger black African staff servant, is witness to the emotional interchange.  He keeps a low profile, and wisely so.

The trio of actors are magnificently cast.  Adam Simpson enacts the sourness, the cruelty, and the weakness of Master Harold without overacting his role.  LaMont Ridgell as Sam is a standout with his movements, facial expressions, and gestures that run from soft to explosive.  It is a real compliment that Ridgell seems not to be acting at all, despite the copious dialogue his role contains.  Anthony Rollins-Mullens (Willie) is equally up to his role as the younger servant, although he must spend most of his onstage time wiping the floor on his knees.  That can't be easy, but he does it with a smile.  Ridgell and Rollins-Mullens do get to show off a few smooth dance moves, proving their extensive backgrounds in musical theater.   Kudos to Director Richard Harder for assembling such a finely-tuned ensemble cast.

Now playing at the Phoenix Theatre's 6th floor playhouse (414 Mason Street, SF) through November 19th on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 PM.  For tickets for to www.offbroadwaywest.org or call (800) 838-3006.  It's a rare chance to see this timeless play by Athol Fugard.