Jac J. Brits

Jac J. Brits (1932-) is an Afrikaans playwright and author.

Not to be confused with Jak J. Brits

Biography

Born Jacobus Johannes Brits in Carnarvon on 16 Augustus 1932, and grew up in Beaufort-West, completing his schooling at the ther Hoërskool Sentraal in 1949.

Intially working for an insurance company and other businesses, he went abroad in 1958 to spend five years working in London, while simultaneously studying at the Italians Music School there. On his return in 1962 he met Maureen Crous, whom he married in 1963. They have one daughter.

He settled in Bolsburg and joined the civil service there, which studying part-time, completing a B.A. degree in Philosophy and Afrikaans-Nederlands at the University of South Africa. In 1981 he resigned from the civil serv ice to devote himself to his writing, initiallt settling in Swellendam, later moving to Bellville in Cape Town.

Contribution to South African theatre, film, media and performance

He is a prolific author, producing numerous short stories, one-act and full-length plays for the stage (largely for schools and amateur stage) and for radio. He has been the recipient of a number of prizes and awards for his work over the years.

The plays for stage and radio include:

Die Uur van Beslissing (1956), Vriend van die Keiser (1957), Simson en die Hebreërs (1960), En Dit Was Nag (1961), Seun van Vertroosting (1961), Bagasie Sonder Bestemming (1964), Hoof van Sy Huis 1966, 'n Liedjie van Verlange (1970), Die President en die Rebel (1970), Die Drie Weë (1970), Die Prisoniers (1970), Die Prisonier en ander Eenbedrywe, Episode in 'n Klein Kafee (1971), Die Vrou en die Ekonomie (1971), Die Eiland (1973), Die Gewillige Wewenaar(1974), Die God (1974),En dit was Aand en dit was More(1975),Rip van Winkle (libretto vir 'n operette vir kinders, musiek deur Walter Swanson, 1984), Kaap die Goeie Hoop ('n alternatiewe geskiedenis) (1998), Die God en Duet vir Drie Stemme, So Onderdeur die Maan (radio drama) Die Roeping (radio drama).