Estelle Knott-Craig
Estelle Knott-Craig (circa 1919-2002). Teacher, director.
Contents
Biography
Born Estelle de Villiers. She was a trained drama teacher. She died in Cape Town in early January 2002 at the age of 82.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
A graduate of the Universities of Cape Town and Stellenbosch, she was deeply involved with amateur theatre in Cape Town, but has also belonged to repertory companies in England and on the Reef. Her speciality was the costume play. She was a great force in encouraging and supporting the Masque Theatre and the four South Peninsula dramatic societies.
As Estelle de Villiers she played in George Washington Slept Here and Ladies in Retirement, directed Die Arrestasie and produced A Privy Council in the 1940s.
In later years she directed The Heiress (1979) and Pray Don't, Sir George! (1983).
The Cape Amateur Dramatic Awards Estelle Knott-Craig Shield for Technical Excellence was named in her honour.
Sources
National Arts Festival programme, 1983.
Service programme for the funeral of Estelle Knott-Craig on 11.1.2002 held by NELM: [Collection: FLETCHER, Jill]: 2005. 75. 11. 11.
Tribute written by Fiona Chisholm, published in Cape Times, 11 January 2002.
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