The Excursionist
The Excursionist was a "world diorama" created by R.S. Cooper.
The original text
The scene was painted by R.S. Cooper and the presentation included "polygraphic descriptions" in "18 characters and 8 songs", provided by Alfred Ray, assisted by Mrs Cooper.
Created some time late in 1867 it opened in Cape Town's Newmarket Building on 20 November of that year. The performers then set off to travel to the interior for further presentations, but tragically they were both drowned when their boat capsized while crossing the full Fish River on their way from Port Elizabeth to King Williamstown.
Sources
F.C.L. Bosman. 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1912. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: pp. 229-230,
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