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Mike Van Graan writes vividly and fearlessly, evoking the racial and political tensions in today's South Africa, linking the personal with the political in plays that challenge and provoke. Sadly, in light of the rise of extreme right wing politics in the UK, both Brothers in Blood and Elusive Spring are exploring issues which are extremely relevant and will particularly resonate within Britain's minority ethnic communities. Brothers in Blood is contemporary Southern African writing at its best. Violence and prejudice based upon stereotypes, particularly racial and religious ones, are dangers that permeate many societies. In a world where the US has endured the horror of the death of Trayvon Martin, where in the UK we have mainstream politicians making hugely divisive statements about race and religion and where in many countries in Europe political tides are shifting away from unity towards a more isolationist style of policy, a play that explores the humanity behind the prejudice is immensely important. That this play is from post- Apartheid South Africa makes it even more interesting for audiences in the UK.