I.W. van der Merwe
I.W. van der Merwe (1897-1967). Academic, lexicographer, poet and novelist and an amateur actor.
His prose writings appeared under the pseudonym of Boerneef
Contents
Biography
Born Izak Wilhelmus van der Merwe on the farm Boplaas in the Ceres district on 11 May 1897.
He died in Cape Town on 2 Julie 1967, buried at Boplaas.
Contribution to South African theatre, film, media and performance
He was a member and original treasurer of the K.A.T. (Kaapstadse Afrikaanse Toneelvereniging), for which he acted in works such as Die Heks (C. Louis Leipoldt, 1936),
His wrtings were often used in plays and musical compilations.
After his passing in 1967, a number of works based on the stories and his life were written and performed. For example a play called Boerneef van Boplaas was performed by Die Rederykers in George circa 1978-1983, directed by Wim Vorster.
In 2017 Frans Swart compiled and directed another such musical tribute, called Flennie die Snare performed from 5 tot 8 Julie in die Nelspruit Hoërskool-ouditorium at the Innibos Laeveldse Nasionale Kunstefees. The star studded cast and production team included Chris Chameleon, Anna Davel, Johny Klein, Daniella Deysel, Jaconell Mouton (musical director), Mauritz Lotz and Riaan van Rensburg.
Sources
https://af.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boerneef
https://www.litnet.co.za/boerneef-1897-1967/
https://www.roekeloos.co.za/teater/flennie-die-snare/
Return to
Return to ESAT Personalities B
Return to ESAT Personalities V
Return to South African Theatre Personalities
Return to Main Page
