Die Gefährliche Nachbarschaft

Die Gefährliche Nachbarschaft ("The dangerous neighbourhood") is a one act comedy by August von Kotzebue (1761 – 1819)[1].

The original text

Originally dated 1805, published in Vienna by Johann Baptist Wallishausser in 1806. Later in the 19th century appeared under the title Die Gefährliche Nachbarschaft oder Schneider Fips

In 1815 an operatic version entitled Die Gefährliche Nachbarschaft was produced in Vienna by composer Johann Friedrich Stein.

Translations and adaptations

Translated into Dutch by J.S. van Esveldt Holtrop as De Gevaarlijke Buurman ("The dangerous neighbour") in 1805. (Sometimes written De Gevaarlyke Buurman in South Africa.)

Performance history in South Africa

1825: Performed in Dutch as De Gevaarlyke Buurman by Tot Nut en Vermaak on 6 August in De Liefhebbery Toneel, as afterpiece to De Graaf van Waltron, of De Subordinatie (Möller).

1926: A Dutch production of De Gevaarlyke Buurman was planned for 1 September by Tot Nut en Vermaak, to take place in De Liefhebbery Toneel, Cape Town, as afterpiece to De Onechte Zoon (Kotzebue), though there is no proof that the performances took place.

1832: Performed in Dutch as De Gevaarlyke Buurman by Tot Nut en Vermaak on 16 June in De Liefhebbery Tooneel, Cape Town, as afterpiece to Robert, Chef de Brigands (Schiller/Lamartélière).

1843: Performed in Cape Town on 4 August in the Dutch translation by Door Yver Vruchtbaar, with Clemence en Waldemar (Pelletier-Volméranges) and Het Losse Schot (Von Kotzebue).

1847: Performed in Dutch as De Gevaarlyke Buurman by the combined company, Het Privaat Hollandsch Tooneellievend Gezelschap playing under the combined motto Tot Nut en Vermaak en Door Yver Vruchtbaar, in the Hope Street Theatre, Cape Town on 8 June, as afterpiece to Robert, of De Struikroovers (Schiller).