Krishna Shah’s most damaging theatrical battle began with one of his greatest early successes. He had transformed three short stories by South African writer and anti-apartheid activist Alan Paton into Sponono, a play that debuted in Durban in December 1962 and toured successfully before reaching Broadway in 1964. The South African production had drawn enthusiastic multiracial audiences and praise for its themes of forgiveness and social reconciliation. On Broadway, however, producer Mary Frank took control of the production and reportedly fired Shah shortly before opening night. Frank then altered pivotal elements of the play, changes Shah vehemently opposed because he believed they would destroy the work’s original meaning and structure. He was barred from approaching the cast and production, while Frank allegedly circulated the explanation that Shah was 'ill.'
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AI concept artworkArchive Record · 1960s
The Broadway Meltdown That Destroyed Sponono
Sponono / Krishna Shah / 1960s
Krishna Shah’s most damaging theatrical battle began with one of his greatest early successes. He had transformed three short stories by South African writer and anti-apartheid activist Alan Paton into Sponono, a play that debuted in Durban in December 1962 and toured successfully before reaching Broadway in 1964. The South African production had drawn enthusiastic multiracial audiences and praise for its themes of forgiveness and social reconciliation. On Broadway, however, producer Mary Frank took control of the production and reportedly fired Shah shortly before opening night. Frank then altered pivotal elements of the play, changes Shah vehemently opposed because he believed they would destroy the work’s original meaning and structure. He was barred from approaching the cast and production, while Frank allegedly circulated the explanation that Shah was 'ill.'
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