Johann Nel

Johann Nel (19**-). Teacher, stage and radio actor and copy-writer.

(Note the spelling of first and last names: This actor not to be confused with the Afrikaans stage and film actor Johan Nell)

Biography

Trained at ***, he became a teacher then lecturer at the ** College in **. He also became a voice artist for SABC radio and television, and did the occasional semi-professional and amateur play. After he left the College in 199*, he joined an advertising firm in Cape Town as copywriter.

Contribution to South African theatre

While working full time, he also indulged in acting on a more professional basis, often performing for the University of Stellenbosch and Spektrum Productions at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (a national arts festival) in Oudtshoorn.

Shows include “So is ek Gebek” (This is how I speak) – a programme on Afrikaans (199*-1999?). He also played in Jill Fletcher’s play on André Huguenet André Huguenet – Meneer! (2000) in the role of his (almost) namesake Johan Nell.

He did a successful series of one-man performances, including Uitverkoop! (1998), Man (S.nw) by Madelein Volschenk (2003), Botspoppe by Nico Burger (Albert Maritz, 2004), 'n Handvol Gruis,(Aardklop, 2002). Other productions include August August, August (1987), Man, Manner, Manste (1998), Susanna die Geliefde (1999), Pas de Deux (2004, 2005), Festen (2007), Daar Leef Mense Daar (2008), Derde Party (2009), God van Chaos (2010), Die Renosters (2011).

He directed Terwyl Dit Om Ons Brand (1987), Ons Hou Konsert (1989).

He had roles in the radio plays Mooi Maria (1996), Die Koggelaar in 1997.

Awards, etc.

Fleur du Cap, award year 2008. Won Best supporting actor for his role as Paul Hansen in Festen.

Sources

Cape Times, 31 May 2000.

Sunday Independent, 16 March 2008.

Die Burger, 16 November 2010.

Volksblad, 14 July 2011.

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