Big Boys, by Charles J Fourie, is being performed at the Warehouse Theatre until July 21. Set in 1986 as apartheid in South Africa was in its death throes, it is a stark reminder of those times and a hefty jolt out of complacency.

The harsh opening scene of a black boy hooded and being tortured under interrogation in a small, rural police station in the Eastern Cape, has increased impact within the confines of this venue. Sitting so close to the actors on a hot summer night, this one-act piece is taut and extremely moving. As the events unfolded I found it a case of sitting too close for comfort.

"Hai, hai," (I don't know) is the repeated answer Solomon the boy, played by Sibusiso Mamba, answers repeatedly to each question.

Thrust back into the prison cell he has inhabited for three months, the story opens up when a young white boy on a drink driving charge, is forced to share the oppressive squalor.

Outraged, cocky and volatile, Daniel (Adrian Hughes) a privileged white 18 year old, kicks and swears his way around the cell and tries to get a reaction from his black cell mate.

Subtle touches exaggerate their differences: bare feet against expensive trainers; designer torn jeans against genuine tattered trousers. When Solomon does respond it's with an unexpected: "Do you have to swear like that? It's really not nice."

The action switches with the dramatic spotlighting to draw in the other players. Police sergeant Sant is a white of the old school; he lives for rugby, his 'neighbourhood watching' of a new blonde in town and avoiding his wife - nicknamed 'The Poodle' due to a recent perm.

Philip Rham gives Sant all the chauvinistic, macho attitude that bolsters up a character who has fierce insecurities. His place in a changing South Africa is unsure and this is cleverly echoed with his fertility. 'The Poodle' has failed to conceive and now wants Sant to have take a sperm test.

White supremacy is ingrained in him, yet he has formed a good relationship with Tookie (Ian Harry) a 'coloured' police officer. Tookie he has accepted, why not? He's a good rugby player, drinking partner and is tied up with Sant in the gruesome torture of Solomon.

Yet it is Tookie who faces the biggest dilemma. Goaded at one stage by Daniel who taunts him, calling him a 'hot not' he lashes out at the white boy. Where will he be in the new regime? He is invited to a celebration rugby barbecue, but his wife is not welcome. And now he has beaten up a white, who threatens him with action from his parents' wealthy lawyers.

Meanwhile the boys have bonded. They brag and joke, and slowly we learn more of their contrasting lives. The comedy in some cell scenes is brilliant and poignant. Boys will be boys, riding a fantasy motor bike and dancing to imaginary music.

Yet it takes a long time to reveal the reason for Solomon's incarceration. Mamba excels at not only playing a 15 year old convincingly (the actor is 24) but the chilling revelation of this ANC youth group member's crime is shattering.

His heart rending account of his mother's 'necklacing' for being an impimpi' (informant) is compelling and terrible to witness.

The conclusion is somewhat predictable. Daniel refuses to reveal anything from his conversations with Solomon, turning the tables and replying under questioning: "Hai, hai, hai" consistently.

But his new found social conscience can do nothing to save his new found friend. This boy's realisation of his own futility makes you want to weep. The history of apartheid in South Africa is well documented. Fourie's Big Boys makes sure it is not forgotten.

Box office 020 680 4060.

July 10, 2002 17:00