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Nothing But the Truth
An award-winning play about the relationship between brothers.
Nothing but the Truth is the story of two brothers, of sibling rivalry, of exile, of memory and reconciliation, and the ambiguities of freedom. The play was John Kani's debut as sole playwright and was first performed in the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. It won the 2003 Fleur du Cap Award for best actor and best new South African play. In the same year Kani was also awarded a special Obie award for his extraordinary contribution to theatre in the USA.
Nothing but the Truth is the story of two brothers, of sibling rivalry, of exile, of memory and reconciliation, and the ambiguities of freedom. The play was John Kani's debut as sole playwright and was first performed in the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. It won the 2003 Fleur du Cap Award for best actor and best new South African play. In the same year Kani was also awarded a special Obie award for his extraordinary contribution to theatre in the USA.
72 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 24, 2016
This play is sensationalist and it is very disturbing to read, the sexual innuedos and depictions are not appealing at all. The Glossary is very detailed and provided detailed information about the chronological history of South Africa during the 1990's and Post-Apartheid South Africa.
The character definitions between the two females are very good and are easy to follow, the identities of the two male characters, the brothers are very difficult to follow.
It was a privilege to study this play in-depth, my pupils did not always know the contents of the play very well, the standard of writing was extremely high and I would recommend this play as study piece for both Home language and First Additional Language pupils of English in South Africa an in some parts of Southern Africa.
The character definitions between the two females are very good and are easy to follow, the identities of the two male characters, the brothers are very difficult to follow.
It was a privilege to study this play in-depth, my pupils did not always know the contents of the play very well, the standard of writing was extremely high and I would recommend this play as study piece for both Home language and First Additional Language pupils of English in South Africa an in some parts of Southern Africa.
July 26, 2023
This was a seriously beautiful book and I’m glad I read it
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August 14, 2014how things were at this time in history is amazing. it was not as striking to thought or provoked an internal debate but i must say the play was great compared to the book
January 5, 2023
I read a Wits Press copy. I enjoyed the pictures. This was a quick read. The reading of the play was a bit jarring, but I quickly grew accustomed. There were moments in the play where I thought another scene should've come before just to give me time to get there with the characters, moments within a scene were -I felt- spoon-feeding information to me but I brushed that off saying, "maybe this is how plays are", if so I hope not .
Despite the seemingly low rating, I enjoyed this. Learned a lot, like, how I didn't know much about mid90s RSA even though this was hardly a deepdive -and fictional- it was an entertaining educational experience.
Despite the seemingly low rating, I enjoyed this. Learned a lot, like, how I didn't know much about mid90s RSA even though this was hardly a deepdive -and fictional- it was an entertaining educational experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2019
Was a wonderful story, rich history and passion for the story written shows in the book.
January 21, 2019
I read it myself and then at school...
April 27, 2019
Nice book
Currently reading
April 2, 2020want to read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
August 2, 2020John kani
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September 7, 2020Nothing but the truth by John Kani
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April 27, 2022
Its a nice book and also interesting
July 9, 2022
Uhm honestly I read this book long time ago while I was in grade 9, and I don't remember that much about it -_- but it wasn't bad at the time. I don't think I'd read it again though.
March 6, 2023
One of few uni readings I liked
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May 6, 2023Reading
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November 16, 2023I love this book
November 28, 2023
I read this at Grade 8 and was my favorite drama from this year. The plot twist that Themba could be Thando dad.We did not got to know who was her dad left me abit on a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
Greatest book. I enjoyed the book and our teacher took us to the live play in Pretoria (2010)
March 29, 2020
The book is good I think cause it was my first book so I am still new to this habit.
February 12, 2017
Nothing But The Truth is a theatre play whose central theme is forgiveness and reconciliation.
The play gets its name from the oath that participants in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission had to take, swearing they would tell "The Truth, Nothing Else But the Truth".
On the play we see the Makhaya family from New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, confront their skeletons when one of them dies in exile in London.
Themba's death opens old wounds, causes conflict between Sipho, Mandisa and Thando yet at the same time brings them closer than they could ever be.
The play gets its name from the oath that participants in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission had to take, swearing they would tell "The Truth, Nothing Else But the Truth".
On the play we see the Makhaya family from New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, confront their skeletons when one of them dies in exile in London.
Themba's death opens old wounds, causes conflict between Sipho, Mandisa and Thando yet at the same time brings them closer than they could ever be.
March 25, 2012
I actually saw this as a play rather than read it, but it was a wonderful, revealing, very South African, story.
June 22, 2013
It's involves too emotions i almost felt like crying.i recommend this as the best book i've ever read ,wow i'm impressed.
April 2, 2014
John Kani's account of truth, reconciliation and forgiveness made for a profound, thought provoking read and screen play. I love, love this book.
August 9, 2014
I was even living this book
February 14, 2015
Not my favorite South African play.
I prefer Fugard.
I prefer Fugard.
July 17, 2015
Short read. Good as a stage production but not much as a book.
April 22, 2016
I want to read it a heared that its intersting
June 22, 2016
Forgiveness...
Loved it!
Loved it!
March 23, 2016
a TRULY MOVING TALE
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October 12, 2017i want to read the book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews