The Road to Mecca

The movie is a beautiful film version of one the greatest plays of the XX century, by one of its greatest dramatists, with three incredible performances. Its South African location allows us to see the real house and village (New Bethesda) where the artist who is the main character of the play actually lived. And we see her art work too. Yvonne Bryceland and Kathy Bates are perfect. And Marius, of course, needed Athol Fugard himself to play in that role. The whole movie (much as the play) is a wonderful chance for Y. Bryceland to remain in the hearts of those who watch the movie (or read the play): the play was written for her by Fugard, as a great gesture of love, when she was already doomed... It was love for her and for the theater. Love and color and trust are three of its main themes... This is a really memorable movie. It is a pity that it is not redistributed in DVD or in VHS.

This movie still remains one of my all time favourites. I have also been to Nieu Bethesda and saw the actual house. When I went into the house and the garden it was like walking onto the set. Kathy Bates is brilliant and even pulls of a good accent. Although the story is based on truth, the interpretation thereof omits some facts. Either way though it is a great story that really touches the heart and the soul. The movie was released locally in South Africa on VHS and I did manage to get a copy of it one day in a bargain bin at a video store. Luckily I ripped it as a digital file, since VHS players are nearly impossible to get anymore. I really wish they would release it on DVD