Jim Stodel
Jim Stodel (1904-1985). Theatre manager.
Contents
Biography
Alfred Henry Stodel, popularly known as Jim, was the second son born to Harry and Amelia Stodel.
Like his siblings, he grew up meeting celebrities and being involved in all their father’s theatrical activities. Jim was educated at boarding school in Franschhoek and later at Soucth African College School and Wynberg Boy’s High in Cape Town. After school he travelled throughout South Africa selling clothing manufactured in Cape Town.
His daughter is the actress and singer Jean Dell.
He announced his retirement in August 1985 and passed away days later on 19 August 1985.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
Jim joined African Theatres in 1926, starting as cinema manager at the Grand Theatre in Cape Town. He later became manager of the Opera House in Port Elizabeth, the Recreation Theatre in Stellenbosch. Returning to Port Elizabeth after stints in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, he became Eastern Cape manager of African Consolidated Theatres.
After the Second World War and working in other fields for the Schlesinger company, he became General Manager of African Consolidated Theatres in 1951.
In 1962 Jim became executive director of Fox Theatres of SA and, as companies changed hands or amalgamated, he became chairman of Kinekor and eventually director of Ster-Kinekor.
Awards, etc.
At a banquet to mark the 25th anniversary of the SAATM in November 1982, Taubie Kushlick, Brian Brooke and Jim Stodel were honoured for their contributions to theatre over the years. (NELM: [Collection: LINDBERG, Des and Dawn]: 2005. 56. 9. 1).
Sources
Tucker, 1997.
Tucker, 2006.
[McMurtry]
Various entries in the NELM catalogue.
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