Somewhere on the Border

"In this touching, disturbing and meticulously researched play, each vulgar and bullying witticism reinforces the indoctrinating brutality with which young, susceptible minds were beaten into submission. Each word is like a razor wire pulled across the soul." --Leon van Nierop, "Artslink" "Somewhere on the Border "was written by Anthony Akerman while in exile more than two decades ago. The play was intercepted in the post and banned as a publication by the apartheid censors because the language was considered "offensive" and the portrayal of the South African Armed Forces "prejudicial to the safety of the state." This publication of a one-act version of the play brings the South African Border War back into public discourse and pierces through the armour of silence, secrecy, and shame that still surrounds it. The script is complemented by an author's preface and an afterword by historian Gary Baines, as well as photographs of its 2011 production.

Anthony Akerman went into exile in 1973 and lived in Amsterdam, working in theatre as a playwright and director. He returned to South Africa in 1992 and has since written several award-winning plays. He also writes for radio and television.