Die Trouwbelofte

Die Trouwbelofte ("The wedding vow") is a short Afrikaans farce by C.J. Langenhoven (1873-1932).

The original text
Set in Oudtshoorn and dealing a court case covering wedding vows, watering rights, breeding birds, lawyers, etc. Binge speculates it may derive theme and title from a Dutch play Verbreking van een Trouwbelofte (performed in Tulbagh in 1892).

Langenhoven's text was published by J & H Pocock of Oudtshoorn in 1906/7.

Later published as reading material in the reading primer The Royal Road to Cape Dutch (Pocock, 1910).

Translations and adaptations
In 1911 Langenhoven adapted the the short play to a full comedy called Die Familie Zaak ("The case about the family") (also known as Die Familiesaak in more modern Afrikaans).

Performance history in South Africa
Performed by amateur societies and schools, including companies in Calitzdorp and Matjesfontein.

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