Sam: So then what is art? Hally: You want a definition? Sam… - Athol Fugard

" "
Sam: So then what is art?
Hally: You want a definition?
Sam: Ja.
Hally: [He realizes he has got to be careful. He gives the matter a lot of thought before answering.] Philosophers have been trying to do that for centuries. What is Art? What is Life? But basically I suppose it's... the giving of meaning to matter.
Sam: Nothing to do with beautiful?
Hally: It goes beyond that. It's the giving of form to the formless.

Athol Fugard

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About Athol Fugard

Athol Fugard OIS HonFRSL (11 June 1932 – 8 March 2025) was a South African playwright, novelist, actor and director widely regarded as South Africa's greatest playwright. He is best known for his political and penetrating plays opposing the system of apartheid. Some of these have also been adapted for film.

Also Known As

Alternative Names: Harold Athol Lannigan Fugard • Athol Harold Lanigan Fugard

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I mean, how do I wash off yours and your father's filth?...I've also failed. A long time ago I promised myself I would do something, but you've just shown me...Master Harold...that I've failed.

Hally: Not many intellectuals are prepared to shovel manure with the peasants then go home and write a ‘little book’ called War and Peace. Incidentally, Sam, he was somebody else who, to quote, ‘…did not distinguish himself scholastically.

He's a white man and that's good enough for you.

Sam: So then what is art? Hally: You want a definition? Sam: Ja. Hally: [He realizes he has got to be careful. He gives the matter a lot of thought b… - Athol Fugard

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