The story of a lovely friendship between two famous writers, leading to the coming together of international communities to work through one of the worst events in our shared history, apartheid. Langston Hughes, from the US, and Bloke Modisane, from South Africa, found an unlikely friendship based on written correspondence.

William “Bloke” Modisane was born in Sophiatown, Johannesburg in 1923. He was a prolific writer activist, and performer. His autobiography, Blame Me on History (1963) is a well-known documentation of the strife faced by black South Africans under apartheid.

Langston Hughes, born 1902, was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, famous for his poetry and activism. Through the letters he and Modisane wrote to each other, it is clear that they were very fond of each other, and that Hughes was an important mentor and supporter for Modisane.

Bantu is a term which can refer to Bantu-speaking people, or people from certain regions of Africa. It went through phases of use during apartheid, but in the correspondence between Hughes and Modisane, it’s used as a term of endearment, and brings the two men closer together.

While the relationship between these two literary icons has not been widely publicised, it is nevertheless an interesting partnership that deserves more attention. Modisane faced many hardships, and Hughes did as much as he could to support, even from an ocean away. Modisane found strength through this friendship, as well as the hope to see his family again, and battled through to success.

This play is told in a series of monologues, of letters written from one man to the other, assisted by projection, some set pieces, and an enthralling soundtrack. In 2022, Bloke and His American Bantu has been seen at the University of Johannesburg Arts Theatre and the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.

Modisane, played by Anele Nene, is a humble and endearing character who bravely faces his troubles and fights for what he believes. He delivers an emotional, heartfelt performance. Josias Dos Moleele gives a boisterous and enthusiastic performance as Hughes. Both have an excellent stage presence and tell the story of these two brilliant writers beautifully.

Bloke and His American Bantu is an admirable piece of historical dramatization, hopefully with a future after the Fringe.

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