Review: Mortall Coile’s ‘Master Harold’ gripping, heart-rending

A well-written play can offer universal truths even though set in a specific time and place. Athol Fugard’s 1982 drama, “ ‘Master Harold’… and the Boys,” takes place in South Africa in 1950, but its warnings about racism and class privilege still apply. Mortall Coile Theatre Company’s heart-rending production displays a deep understanding of the characters and themes.

In a Port Elizabeth teashop, two black South African men work as waiters, long-time servants for the white owners. Sam, the confident jokester, and Willie, the quiet follower, have watched the owners’ son, Harold, grow from infancy to the brink of manhood. Because Harold’s invalid, alcoholic father has never been close, Sam became his surrogate, forming a caring bond with Harold over the years.

Sam has tried to protect Harold from his parents’ soul-destroying racism, but its toll is painfully demonstrated one rainy afternoon. Harold comes in for his daily visit to chat, eat and do homework. They all fondly reminisce about shared times and Sam helps Harold with a school project.

But an hour into the 90-minute one-act, the idyllic atmosphere is shattered, sparked by a horrifying turn of events that delivers a never-to-be-forgotten gut punch.

One reason for this production’s success is the breakout performance by Gil Faison as Sam, a revelation in its subtlety and nuance. Faison’s infectious laugh and beaming smile buoy the action along at first, but after things go wrong, his grave hurt and recognition of the inevitable are devastating.

High school sophomore Ben Pluska shows great promise as Harold, believably projecting the character’s involuntary arrogance and his conflict between loving Sam and wanting to please his father. At Friday’s performance, Pluska hadn’t fully explored Harold’s inner turmoil and sometimes spoke too softly, but was fully up to the gripping confrontation with Sam.

George Hill makes the most of Willie’s humorous side, especially his dreams of winning a dance contest, threatened by his girlfriend troubles. Hill’s interactions with Faison throughout are natural and endearing.

Director Jesse Gephart knowingly allows Fugard’s script to draw the audience in, pacing the action to quietly lay the groundwork for the shocking climax. Thomas Mauney’s detailed tearoom is so realistic, one might easily order a scone at the counter, while his lighting makes the scene cozy or cold as needed.

The show can’t be recommended too strongly, its presentation and themes a necessary tonic for us all.

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 4:58 PM with the headline "Review: Mortall Coile’s ‘Master Harold’ gripping, heart-rending."