An Inspector Calls

An Inspector Calls is a play by English dramatist J.B. Priestley (1894-1984)[1]. A popular thriller set in Brumley, England.

The original text

First performed in 1945 in the Soviet Union and in 1946 in the UK.

Translations and adaptations

Filmed in 1954 and 2015, made into a television series in 1982.

Translated into Afrikaans by Emgee Pretorius, translated title unknown.

Performance history in South Africa

1948: Presented for the first time in South Africa, staged professionally by NTO in August 1948, as its second English touring production after Dear Brutus. Produced and directed by Leontine Sagan, it starred Frank Wise (Arthur Birling), Lorna Cowell (Sybil Birling), Vivien Drummond or Hazel Casson (Sheila Birling), Leon Gluckman (Eric Birling), Oswald van Blerk (Gerald Croft), Esme Celliers (Edna) and André Huguenet (Inspector Coole). Decor designed by Ronald Philip, dresses designed by Dan Welman. It toured in tandem with De Klerk's Nag het die Wind Gebring. The show was performed at the Port Elizabeth City Hall from November 15 - 17, 1948.

1958: Presented in Afrikaans by JAATS in the Library Theatre, Johannesburg, for a week's run opening on 2 December with the translator, Emgee Pretorius in the part of the inspector. Produced by Dan Welman who is also the set-and-costume designer.

1980: Directed by Kevin Mackintosh for the Port Elizabeth Shakespearean Festival [P.E.S.F.] Young 'uns at the Port Elizabeth Opera House from September 11 - 13. Cast: Alfred Porter (Arthur Birling). Kevin Mackintosh (Gerald Croft), Odette Kotze (Sheila Birling), Lesley Caussen (Edna), David Goldblum (Eric Birling) and Michael Jeans (Inspector Goole).

1984: Presented by NAPAC at the Alhambra Theatre, Durban, directed by Joan Kemp-Welch, October.

1992/1993: Presented by PACOFS, set designed by Johnny Boerstoel. The production was nominated for a Vita Award as play of the year. (NELM catalogue).

Late 1990s: Staged by the Durban Theatre Workshop Company at the City Centre Theatre (formerly situated in Kings Hall). Directed by David Randle, it featured Peter Larlham, Caroline Smart, ”Chaka” Hallowes, Chris Voysey, Anne Butt and David Coolbear.