Description: Apartheid protesters gather in front of the South African Consulate at 100 Charles River Plaza in Boston, surrounded by press. Mel King (community activist), Charles Yancey (Boston City Council) and Willard Johnson (Head, TransAfrica) demand to see Richard Blankstein (honorary consul to South Africa). Police officers bar entry to the building. Johnson announces to the media that the protesters will ask for Blankstein's resignation from his post. He adds that they will ask Blankstein's law firm to sever ties with South Africa. Johnson and the others are eventually allowed to enter the building. Several takes of reporter standup. Police, protesters and the media wait outside of the building. Themba Vilakazi (member of African National Congress) is interviewed by the media, announcing the resignation of Blankstein, and noting that Blackstein doesn't want to talk to the media. Johnson, King and Yancey exit the building. Johnson reads a statement of resignation from Blankstein, which says he is not a supporter of apartheid. Johnson announces a victory for the protesters. Johnson, King and Yancey walk over to a group of protesters on the street. Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) leads the protesters in a chant. Johnson announces the resignation of Blankstein. The crowd cheers.
1:04:34: V: Johnson tells the media that the protestors have asked for the right to meet with Blankstein; that they would like to ask Blankstein to resign from his post as honorary consul. Johnson says that the protestors are acting in the best interest of the public. Johnson says that the protestors are willing to meet with Blankstein outside of the building. Johnson says that Blankenstein must resign publicly; that his law firm must sever ties with South Africa. Johnson says that the police officer has gone inside to ask Blankstein to meet with the protestors. Johnson says that the protestors' goal is to force the resignation of Blankstein; that the protestors will focus next on other corporations with ties to South Africa. 1:06:30: V: Four protestors, including Yancey and Johnson, are let into the building. They are accompanied by Themba Vilakazi (member, African National Congress). Police officers stand guard at the entrance to the building. Protestors and the media wait on the sidewalk outside of the entrance. Tug Yourgrau reports from the sidewalk in front of the entrance. The chants of protestors are audible. Yourgrau reports that Blankstein has been honorary counsel to South Africa in Boston for two years; that Blankstein has refused to be interviewed on camera. Yourgrau reports that the protestors have promised to picket Blankstein's offices again of Friday; that a candlelight vigil has been planned on Sunday at the Boston Public Library. Yourgrau does several takes of his comments for the news story. 1:09:13: V: Police officers are lined up in front of the entrance to the building. The sidewalk is crowded with members of the media, protestors and bystanders. 1:10:13: V: Vilakazi talks to the media. Vilakazi reports that Blankenstein has signed a letter of resignation, which he will hand to the protestors. Vilakazi reports that Blankenstein has said that the actions of the protestors influenced his decision to resign. Vilakazi notes that Blankenstein has said that he does not support apartheid. 1:11:20: V: The media and protestors peer curiously into the lobby of the building. Johnson exits the building, accompanied by King and Yancey. Johnson reads a statement of resignation from Blankstein. Blankstein's statement describes his post as honorary consul. The statement denies that Blankstein is a supporter of apartheid. The statement reads that Blankstein does not wish to be made an apologist for the South African government. Johnson shows the letter to the media. Johnson says that Blankenstein's resignation is a victory for the protestors. Johnson says that the protestors will target other corporations with ties to the South African government. 1:14:02: V: Johnson, King and Yancey walk away from the building. The three men walk toward a group of protestors on the street. A large group of protestors is picketing on the sidewalk. The protestors chant, "Blankstein, resign." Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) stands on the bed of a pick-up truck, leading the chant through a bullhorn. Johnson takes the bullhorn from the man and addresses the crowd. Stith starts to cheer. King and Yancey stand on the bed of the pick-up truck with Johnson. Johnson announces Blankstein's resignation and holds up the letter. Johnson reads a portion of the statement from Blankstein. The crowd cheers as Johnson reads the statement. Shots of the crowd of protestors. The crowd chants, "Freedom, yes. Apartheid, no."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/04/1984
Description: A group of apartheid protesters picket the South African Consulate at 100 Charles River Plaza in Boston. Police officers stand at the door to the consulate. Willard Johnson (Head of TransAfrica) speaks to the crowd of picketers through a bullhorn. Themba Vilakazi (member of the African National Congress) addresses the crowd, condemning the South African government and criticizing Ronald Reagan for engaging in a policy of "constructive engagement" with the South African government. City Councilor Charles Yancey addresses the crowd, praising Bishop Desmond Tutu and urging the protesters to engage in acts of civil disobedience to protest apartheid. Community activist Mel King addresses the crowd, calling for the resignation of Richard Blankstein (honorary consul to South Africa). King criticizes the Reagan administration's policies in South Africa and talks about the need for large companies to divest from South Africa. Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) stands beside the speakers. Johnson expresses his support for Nelson Mandela and all those fighting apartheid in South Africa.
1:00:00: Visual: The WGBH camera crew sets up its equipment. A diverse group of anti-apartheid protestors picket the South African Consulate at 100 Charles River Plaza. More than 100 protestors carry signs and chant, "1, 2, 3, 4, let's close the consulate door." Shot of a white protest leader leading the chant with a bullhorn. 1:02:48: V: A police officer stands in front of the entrance to the building. He carries a two-way radio. Another officer stands with him. 1:03:20: V: The protestors continue to picket, chanting "Hey, hey, ho, ho, this consulate has got to go." Willard Johnson (head of TransAfrica) speaks to the crowd of picketers through a bullhorn. He urges them to keep the picket line moving. 1:04:19: V: Themba Vilakazi (member, African National Congress) speaks to the crowd about the struggle of black South Africans. Vilakazi criticizes the policies of the ruling government in South Africa. He says that the South African government in engaged in a brutal repression of the residents of black townships. Vilakazi says that the African National Congress (ANC) welcomes worldwide condemnation of the white regime. Vilakazi criticizes the policy of Ronald Reagan (US President) toward South Africa. Vilakazi condemns the Reagan administration's policy of "constructive engagement" with the ruling government. Vilakazi praises the actions of three US political leaders who encouraged an anti-apartheid sit-in at the South African embassy in Washington DC. Vilakazi encourages anti-apartheid protestors across the world. Shots of the picketers. Vilakazi talks about the ANC struggle for freedom in South Africa. Vilakazi closes his speech by saying, "We will win." The protestors chant, "We will win." 1:07:10: V: Johnson introduces Charles Yancey (Boston City Council). Johnson says that Yancey introduced legislation in the City Council for the divestment of city funds from South Africa. Yancey talks about his "unceasing opposition" to the policies of apartheid. Yancey criticizes the repression of blacks in South Africa. Other protest leaders help Yancey to adjust the bullhorn. Yancey says that the international community cannot tolerate the apartheid policies of the South African government. Yancey talks about the previous day's visit to Boston by Bishop Desmond Tutu (South African anti-apartheid leader). Yancey notes that Tutu has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Yancey calls on all people to join the protest against apartheid. Yancey criticizes the federal government's policy toward South Africa. Yancey talks about the importance of acts of civil disobedience in opposing apartheid in South Africa. The crowd applauds. 1:10:15: V: The crowd applauds as Mel King (political activist) takes the bullhorn. King thanks the protestors for coming out to protest. Reverend Charles Stith (Union United Methodist Church) stands next to King. King challenges Richard Blankstein (honorary consul to South Africa) to come down from the consulate and speak to the protestors. King challenges Blankstein to resign in protest of the South African government's apartheid policies. King accuses the Reagan administration of engaging in racist policies in South Africa. King says that protestors will picket multi-national corporations who do business in South Africa; that large corporations need to divest from South Africa. King accuses these corporations of supporting apartheid. King talks about a South African trade union leader who has been jailed by the South African government. King says that the trade union leader has encouraged US protestors to push for corporate divestiture from South Africa. King calls for an end to Reagan's policies and an end to apartheid. 1:14:16: V: Johnson puts on a hat with a sign pinned to it. The sign reads, "For shame." Johnson addresses the crowd. Johnson quotes Nelson Mandela (ANC leader) as saying that he is prepared to die for a free South Africa. Johnson expresses support for Mandela and the black South Africans who are fighting apartheid.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/04/1984
Description: End of an interview with South African playwrights and actors Percy Mtwa and Mbongi Ngema at the Spingold Theater at Brandeis University about their play Woza Albert. The two men describe reactions to the play in the South African townships. Each man talks about his future plans. They shoot cutaways. Several takes of reporter standup by the box office of the theater.
0:58:59: Visual: Tug Yourgrau interviews South African actors Percy Mtwa and Mbongeni Ngema at the Spingold Theater at Brandeis University about their play Woza Albert. The first actor says that the play has been well-received in South Africa; that the response has been enthusiastic in the township. The first actor says that people in the township have stood up to sing the national anthem after seeing the play. Yourgrau asks about the actors' future plans. The first actor says that he will write another play. The second actor says that he is writing a screenplay; that he also is involved in music. The second actor says that he has another play which he might bring to the US. Both men say that they have enjoyed touring in the US. The first actor says that he has always dreamed of visiting the US. The first actor says that the play has been well received in the US. The crew takes cutaway shots of Yourgrau and the two actors. 1:02:05: V: Theatergoers purchase tickets at the box office of the Spingold Theater. Yourgrau stands in front of the entrance of the theater. Yourgrau reports that Woza Albert is now playing at the Spingold Theater; that negotiations to bring the play to the Spingold Theater lasted two years. Yourgrau notes that Woza Albert is a satire about life under apartheid; that the play is an international hit. Yourgrau does several takes of his report for the news story. Theatergoers enter the theater.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/08/1984
Description: Tug Yourgrau interviews Zwelakhe Sisulu (South African journalist) about reactions in the South African townships to the play Woza Albert. Sisulu discusses censorship and the facilities in the townships where the play has been staged. Yourgrau and Sisulu talk about why the South African government has failed to ban Woza Albert; they talk about the government's attitude toward Bishop Desmond Tutu (South African anti-apartheid leader). Yourgrau and Sisulu discuss the effect of the Soweto uprising on black political consciousness in South Africa and the related politicization of black theater in South Africa. Yourgrau and Sisulu analyze the relationship of black theater to political rallies in South Africa and to black political culture. Sisulu talks about the multi-lingual, multi-ethnic nature of black South African society. Sisulu discusses the banning of theater groups or theatrical works by the South African government. Sisulu says that black theater portrays the situation in South Africa more accurately than the US media.
0:00:59: Visual: Tug Yourgrau interviews Zwelakhe Sisulu (South African journalist). The two are sitting among shelves of books. Yourgrau asks about the reaction to Woza Albert in the South African townships. Sisulu says that the play has had a good run in the townships; that the actors have enjoyed a good rapport with the audiences in the townships; that the audience becomes part of the play when it is run in the townships. Yourgrau asks where plays are staged in the townships. Sisulu says that the play is run in community halls or church halls in the townships; that there are no theaters in the townships. Sisulu notes that the play must have the approval of the township superintendent in order to be staged in the community hall. Sisulu says that the facilities in the township are inadequate. Sisulu says that the township supervisors are appointees of the South African government; that they are members of the white ruling party. Yourgrau notes that Woza Albert has never been banned. Sisulu notes that Woza Albert has never been staged in a community hall; that community halls were burnt down in 1976. Sisulu says that Woza Albert was staged in church halls or independently owned halls in the black community. Sisulu says that community halls were rebuilt as administrative offices for the government. Yourgrau asks if the government has shown tolerance by not banning the play. Sisulu says that the black community is beginning to exhibit some power in South Africa; that the black community is more militant. Sisulu notes that the government is aware that a ban of the play could provoke a crisis. Yourgrau asks about the government's attitude toward Bishop Desmond Tutu (South African anti-apartheid leader). Sisulu says that the government would like to jail Tutu; that the government cannot act against Tutu because of his standing in the international community. Sisulu says that the government cannot ban Woza Albert because of its international reputation. 1:05:22: V: Yourgrau asks again about the reaction to Woza Albert in the black townships. Sisulu talks about the good rapport between the actors and the audience in the townships. Sisulu says that the audience is seeing their own lives played out on stage. Yourgrau asks about the effect of the Soweto uprising on black consciousness in South Africa. Sisulu asks Yourgrau to define "black consciousness." Yourgrau asks about black political consciousness. Sisulu says that South African blacks began to assert their power in 1976. Sisulu talks about the origins of protest theater and protest poetry in 1969. Sisulu says that contemporary black theater in South African focuses on social issues and apartheid; that earlier black theater focused on entertaining people. Sisulu says that 1976 brought changes in black political consciousness and in black theater. Yourgrau asks how black theater has changed. Sisulu talks about the change in black theater since 1976. Sisulu says that theater has turned away from singing and dancing; that one-man and two-man plays are common since 1976. Sisulu says that contemporary black theater in South Africa is concerned with creating a dialogue about apartheid and South African society. 1:09:59: V: Yourgrau asks if black theater is present at political rallies in South Africa. Sisulu says that a typical political rally in Soweto includes speeches, poetry, and theater. Sisulu notes that speeches are often in English; that the plays are performed in native languages; that theater is used to get the message across to all people. Sisulu says that theater has become a part of black political culture. Yourgrau asks about the multiple languages used in Woza Albert. Sisulu says that black South African culture is multi-lingual. Sisulu says that black South Africans are not divided by language or ethnicity; that residents of Soweto can communicate in several different languages. Yourgrau asks if theater groups have been banned in South Africa. Sisulu says that a theater group was banned along with other organizations in October of 1977. Sisulu says that the government would ban a particular script instead of all works by a particular playwright. Sisulu adds that township managers would refuse to give permission for some plays to be staged. Yourgrau asks if the recent strike by black workers in the Transvaal area is an isolated event. Sisulu says that the US media does not present an accurate depiction of events in South Africa; that the US media portrays the situation in terms of riots and disturbances. Sisulu says that there is a "low-scale civil war" in South Africa. Sisulu says that South African black theater accurately reflects the situation.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 11/08/1984