Jan Pohl
Jan Pohl (1917-1997). Actor, composer, artist and musician.
Contents
Biography
Jan Luyt Pohl was born in 1917, the son of Pieter Pohl. He died in July 1997 in Philippolis in the Free State at the age of 80, survived by his wife and four children.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
He played an important part in the theatre of Pretoria in the 1940s. Became a prominent member of Volksteater as actor and elocutionist. Also a co-founder of Die Katdorings Groep (with his sister, Anna Neethling-Pohl).
He had roles on stage in Lenie (H.A. Fagan, 1941?*), Dagbreek (Wynand du Preez), for the Krugersdorp Municipal Dramatic and Operatic Society (Dir. Hermien Dommisse, 1941)**.
A composer of popular songs, he composed satirical and comic songs used for the Katdorings anti-war performances. Also, based on these, compiled the text for the political cabaret In 'n Skewe Straatjie (Volksteater, 1945). Also designed programmes.
He wrote a number of radio operettas, including: In ‘n skewe straatjie (1942), Heksekinders (1946), Nooi van Vleifontein (1949), Skemermelodie (1956), and Rowerkaptein.
On radio he had a role in the Springbok Radio comedy series Lood Landroster.
Sources
Die Volksblad, 24 July 1997.
Hilde Roos. 2010. 'Opera Production in the Western Cape: Strategies in Search of Indigenisation'. Unpublished PhD thesis. Stellenbosch University.
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