Alfred Herbert
Alfred Herbert was a musical promotor and impressario.
Popularly referred to as Alf Herbert
Contents
Biography
He was the son of the famous Jewish actress Sarah Sylvia.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
He organised the series of shows billed as African Jazz and Variety (1956) and in 1952 participated in the founding of the Union of South African Artists] (*?) He also produced the musical Shebeen. *****
He was one of the first people to promote black entertainers, both in townships and beyond. He presented the African Jazz/Township Jazz concert series in 1956 at the City Hall which was very popular, but of course performed to segregated audiences.
1957: The South African Institute of Race Relations presented Alfred Herbert's production African Jazz and Variety in the Crispin Hall and also at the Port Elizabeth City Hall. The variety show showcased the talents of 30 African artists.
Awards, etc
Sources
Eastern Province Herald, 1957. (Clipping undated).
Tucker, 1997.
Coplan, 1985: 163-64)
Souvenir Programme of the Farewell Season of African Jazz and Variety, ESAT Archive
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