Fugard Play Is Another Plum for Brock Peters

Brock Peters, last seen at the Henry Fonda Theatre sporting a chauffeur’s cap opposite Julie Harris in 1989’s “Driving Miss Daisy,” returns to the Fonda tonight wearing a different hat: as South African teacher Mr. M in Athol Fugard’s staging of his scalding anti-apartheid drama, “My Children! My Africa!”

The production was lifted intact from its recent run at the La Jolla Playhouse.

“(Mr. M) is dedicated to the form and ritual and the wonder of knowledge,” said Peters of his character, who oversees an ideological battle between a black and white student (Sterling Macer Jr. and Nancy Travis). “His belief is firm; he believes education is the means and vehicle for bringing around any kind of change. For him, it’s a revolutionary tool. Of course, that’s not the viewpoint a lot of people hold--and that brings the conflict.”

Peters finds the play’s catapulting story (inspired by a true incident in 1984) sadly current, and even mirrors some of his character’s convictions.

“It’s a very unhappy situation,” he said of the ongoing political impasse in South Africa, “especially in regard to all of the young people who have participated in the revolution. If the ANC (African National Congress) survives at the bargaining table and moves ahead with its one-man/one-vote plan, a lot of people will not have had the benefit of education--that training and preparation that will be so necessary in the future.”

The play follows a run of extreme highs and lows for Peters: 16 months touring with “Daisy,” the death of his wife earlier this year, and last week, the announcement of the Screen Actors Guild Award for Career Achievement and Human Endeavors, to be presented Dec. 9 at SAG’s annual meeting at the Sheraton-Universal. “I’m thrilled, “ said the actor, who’ll be keeping company with such past recipients as Jack Lemmon, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Pearl Bailey and Gregory Peck.

Of the role of Mr. M, Peters admits, “There is pain. But there’s also so much insight and compassion coming from Fugard, from his experience as a South African. I think it’s his most impassioned writing to date--and his most political, most human and most traumatic. Each (character) carries an equal load, has a viewpoint we believe in. Fugard doesn’t attempt to give audiences a pat answer. History and life don’t offer that.”

CHAOS: “A Girl’s Guide to Chaos,” Cynthia Heimel’s comedy about single women surviving the ‘90s, had problems surviving its first week at the Tiffany Theatre. Co-star Deborah Adair’s post-show collapse on opening night hospitalized her with a herniated disc; five nights later, substitute Dana Stevens jumped into the breach with aplomb--but the play was delayed by a broken light board. Says co-producer Craig Strong, “Luckily, it’s only the producers who’re tearing their hair out. The show is surviving nicely.”

THEATER BITS: The L.A. Children’s Theatre honors Shelley Duvall with an evening of “Fairy, Scary and Legendary Tales,” a benefit dinner and performance Monday at the Westwood Playhouse. Information: (213) 469-2542.

Frank Ferrante marks his 1,000th performance as Groucho Marx in “Groucho: A Life in Revue,” last seen at the Pasadena Playhouse in 1989--now revived at the La Mirada Theatre. Next-up in La Mirada’s 1990-91 season: Donna Mills in “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” (Jan. 8-27), Claude Akins in “Born Yesterday” (Feb. 19-March 10), Jane Wyatt and Ted Lange in “Driving Miss Daisy” (April 2-21), and Rose Marie in “Nunsense” (April 30-May 19).

The National Playwrights Conference of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center is accepting scripts to be considered for its July 1991 conference--unproduced, full-length works for the stage, screen or TV by U.S. citizens. Those interested in applying must send a request and a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: O’Neill Theater Center, 234 W. 44th St., Suite 901, New York, N.Y. 10036. Deadline for submissions is Dec. 1.