AN important play which helped to change the way the world viewed South Africa is stopping off on its national tour in Malvern this month.

The Island is a powerful drama which uses a true story to speak out about racism, apartheid and human brutality.

During Nelson Mandela's 27 years in the notorious Robben Island jail, he staged Sophocles' play Antigone for the inmates and staff, a theatrical act of defiance focusing on 'a fellow freedom fighter who deliberately defies an unjust law'.

Scriptwriter Athol Fugard wrote The Island after studying history and stories about Robben Island and in 1973 the play was a plea to the world for a united front against the horrors and injustice of apartheid.

It is about two cellmates, political prisoners Winston and John, forced to toil in the stone quarry by day and rehearsing Antigone by night, culminating in the actual performance of Antigone.

Malvern Theatres spokeswoman Louise Russell said: "Today, The Island is a vital historical record in the history of South Africa and a vivid representation of how the country was itself imprisoned by its crippling vision of racism and injustice.

"The Island delivers its poignant political message with a humour, humanity and sparseness that is so characteristic of township theatre."

The Island is on at Malvern's Festival Theatre for just one night on Tuesday, September 20, at 8pm.

Call 01684 892277 for tickets.