Bitter Lied van die Somer

Bitter Lied van die Somer ("Bitter Song of Summer") is an Afrikaans play by Dick Findlay (1928-1996).

The original play text

A play about an aspiring concert pianist, Danie, who rents a room from Anna whose teenage daughter Marie quickly befriends him. Anna, jealous of her daughter and embittered by a failed love affair in her past, attempts to end the innocent relationship.

The text was most probably held by DALRO for a while, before it was published as Bitter Lied van die Somer: 'n Toneelstuk in Drie Bedrywe by J.L. van Schaik in 1974.

Translations and adaptations

The play was translated into English as Forgotten Song of Summer, and adapted as a film in 1970, produced by Felix Myburgh for Panorama Films, directed by Howard Rennie, with Marié du Toit, Vanessa Cooke, George Ballot, Christine Stevens and Gert Potgieter. Camera work by Grenwill Middleton and Gordon Anderson.

Rather confusingly, the film's title is variously given as Forgotten Song of Summer, Forgotten Summer or even Forgotten Song in the press and publicity documents.

The play was also filmed for television and broadcast in 1986.

Performance history of the play in South Africa

1969/70 (?): Performed in Afrikaans as Bitter Lied van die Somer by PACT.

1970: A translated version of the play called Forgotten Summer (seemingly based on the film) was performed by the East Rand Theatre Club in the City Hall, Benoni, directed by Bladon Peake, with Lettie Bester in the role of Anna.

1973: Performed in the Bloemfontein Civic Theatre by PACOFS.

1977: Staged by the University of Pretoria, Department of Drama , directed by Hannes Horne, featuring Riana Wilkens (Griet), Iza Trengove (Marie), Tonia Ockerse (Anna), Mieder Olivier (Danie) and Hendrik Odendaal (Piet Venter). Also performed at the University of Potchefstroom