Harry Kalmer

Harry Kalmer (born 1956). Writer of short stories, novels, plays. He is also a copywriter.

Biography
He grew up and still lives in Johannesburg. He is married to Sanpat and they have two children. (Interview, Volksblad 4 February 2008).

Training
He graduated in 1979 (University of Pretoria), majoring in Afrikaans and Drama Studies.

Career
He worked for the South African Railways in its Language Bureau for five years

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
He wrote his first play in 1973.

Jacqui Singer produced his play Bloed in die Strate for PACT in 1984, starring Andrew Buckland, Gys de Villiers, Ilse van Hemert and Kevin Smith. It was performed in the Market Theatre in 1985.

The drama Hartland was performed in the Baxter Theatre in 1986, directed by Marcel van Heerden.

Die Wit van Hulle Oë (1988) and Antjie Somers and I (1989) were produced by PACT, both directed by Jacqui Singer, followed by Watercolour Days in 1991.

They Say Heaven is like TV was directed by Craig Freimond for PACT, winning the Vita Potpourri Prize in 1992.

He wrote and directed the cabaret The Secret of my Excess for Lynn Joffe in 1992.

In 1995 Frida Kahlo's Eyes was directed by Sandra Prinsloo and the following year Gerrit Schoonhoven directed Sleeping with Alice for the Arts Festivals.

Kalmer adapted Marita van Vyver's novel Die Dinge van 'n Kind for the stage and it was performed with great acclaim in 1998 at the KKNK, the Grahamstown Festival and in the Little Theatre, Pretoria.

The Bitterbek Blues of Ben (die Breker) Bartman and Briewe aan 'n Rooi Dak were performed at the Aardklop festival, 2001.

He wrote Wie is Spek Harmse en waarom skryf hy Afrikaanse advertensies? in 2004 for the occasion of the tenth birthday of the Pendoring competition.

The solo piece Meneer de Beer was performed in 2006, starring Frank Opperman.

Awards
He won the Anglo Gold prize for his play Briewe aan 'n Rooi Dak.

He won a DALRO award for Antjie Somers and I.

He was awarded a silver Ovation Prize at the 2013 Grahamstown Festival for his play The Bram Fischer Waltz.

They Say Heaven is like TV was directed by Craig Freimond for PACT, winning the Vita Potpourri Prize in 1992.

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