About Us

Staged performances came much later during the mid-19th century but did not properly develop until the early part of the 20th century as the early theatre was considered to be something evil.

The missionaries had much to do with breaking down this conception as they used a form of theatre to illustrate many of the biblical stories. In the 20's and 30's, the performing arts were beginning to be used extensively as a form of entertainment and many theatre groups started to be formed in the townships where plays about life and customes were th common theme.

As the 40's were entered, there was a dramatic growth in the introduction of American and English nuances which intermingled with African traditions to create a broader spectrum of the performing arts including jazz, opera, dance, musicals and comedy.

The tightening grip of apartheid meant the native African theatre was replaced with more formal stage productions but within the ranks of the actors, actresses and producers were many who used whatever influence they had to ensure that African theatre was never allowed to die. People like Guy Butler, Taubie Kushlik, Anna Neethling-Pohl, were names of the era that ensured survival for tradition and in certin cases such as Cecil Williams, 'The Man who drove Nelson Mandela', there were activists who were an integral part of challenging the apartheid system.

This website is a record of theatre in South Africa during the 1950’s and 60’s containing a formidable list of actors, major theatrical productions, and the directors of that period.

All the material including a selection of photographs was recorded by Pat Trevor, which fortunately has survived into the 21st century.

Not only is it a record of these years of theatre in South Africa but a testament to many listed here without whom the flickering light of African theatre may well have been extinguished.

It is hoped this historical information will stimulate greater interest in the present theatrical scene of the new South Africa but will open the doors of research for students, actors and academics across the world.