Carl Steele

Carl Steele (fl 1860s) was an American singer, musician and actor.

Also known as Mr Steele or C. Steele.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

A member of the "original" Christy Minstrels that visited South Africa in 1862, he was apparently excellent on the violincello.

The company's successful appearances had a huge impact on popular entertainment in Cape Town and the country during the 19th century.

Steele returned in the period 1867-1869 to co-found and perform in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town with the Steele-Leslie-Taylor's Christy's Minstrels and the Steele and Norton's Christy's Minstrels (also known as the Steele & Norton's Christy's, for which he was joined by Wash Norton).

Sources

Sydney Morning Herald, 5 May, 1863[1]

The Australian Circus History Society Website[2]

W.J. Mahar. 1999. Behind the Burnt Cork Mask: Early Blackface Minstrelsy and Antebellum American Popular Culture. Volume 442 of Music in American life. University of Illinois Press, 1999

F.C.L. Bosman. 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1916. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: pp. 139-140, 250, 257, 291, 299.

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