The Children's Theatre
The Children's Theatre was a Johannesburg based company founded in 1943 by Celia Evans and Mary Tilley, and operational until 1965.
Not to be confused with Joyce Levinsohn's Children's Theatre Productions (run 1976 - 1990).
Contents
History
Celia Evans, a devotee of the active Children’s Theatre in Britain, started The Children's Theatre in 1943 in Johannesburg. Initially there were 20 members, who met every 2 months to control and direct the policy and finances of the organisation. It was registered as a company in 1945.
A couple of early devotees dedicated to the pursuit of children’s theatre were: Prof. TJ Haarhoff, Prof. T Williams, Philip Birkinshaw, John Duthie, H A Jack & miss Lea Zidel.
Well-known theatre personalities directed and produced for the company, including Bruce Anderson, John Hayter, Anthony Farmer and Hugh Goldie.
Financial problems led to the demise of the Children’s Theatre.
Productions
1949: The Snow Queen
1950: Ambrose Applejohn's Adventure
1951: Richard of Bordeaux
1953: As You Like It, Treasure Island, Beauty and the Beast, Hansie en Grietjie
1954: The Tempest, The Three Wishes
1955: The Taming of the Shrew
1956: Mango Leaf Magic, Pinocchio
1957: The Merchant of Venice, Peter Pan
1958: An evening of readings by actor and academic David Horner.
1959: The Glass Slipper (in conjunction with the NTO and the REPS)
1961: Beauty and the Beast
1962: Amelia’s African Adventure
1964: Treasure Island, The Everyman Players’ performance of Arthur Fauquez’s adaptation of Reynard the Fox was presented by Taubie Kushlick as a gala to raise funds for Children’s Theatre in 1964.
1965: The Wizard of Oz (the enormous financial losses incurred signalled the dissolution of the organisation), The Three Wishes.
Dates unknown:
Dragon’s Daughter by Myrrha Bantock.
Sources
A brochure on the Children's Theatre, South Africa, founded by Celia Evans in 1943 held by NELM: [Collection: FARMER, Anthony]: 2007. 18. 5. 33.
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