View source for Ons Taal

("Our Language")

There appear to have been two organisations by this name, both directly or indirectly concerned with theatre. 


== Ons Taal, the Afrikaans cultural journal ==

A Dutch-Afrikaans cultural journal, published by the society [[Ons Taal]] in Bloemfonteinand aimed at cultral, dramatic and debating societies. As part of its effort to promote culture in the country, it published plays for production by the societies and also published news about their activities.

== Ons Taal, Bloemfontein - the Afrikaans cultural society ==
 
Originally founded under the Dutch name [[Onze Taal]], by the Rev. [[W. Postma]] on 29 August 1908 for the promotion of the Dutch language. At its second public meeting a theatre-division was also formed, and the association became explicitly pro-[[Afrikaans]], although the dominant language remained Dutch. 

In 1910, the society was joined by [[D.F. Malherbe]] and the name was later altered to [[Ons Taal]]. Later chaired by [[A. Havenga]], with [[C.F. Visser]] and [[Reenen van Reenen]] also being leading figures.  Existed from 1908-1934. 

The association played a significant role in promoting Afrikaans theatre in the city. An early highlight was a performance of the specially-written ''[[Heldinne van die Oorlog]]'' at the unveiling of the Woman’s Monument in December 1913.  Otherwise the did the popular plays of the day - such as [[Gustav Preller's]] translation of ''[[Charley's Aunt]]'' (as ''[[Piet s'n Tante]]'', later written ''[[Piet se Tante]]''), [[J.H.H. de Waal]]'s  ''[[Die Spioen en sy Handlangers]]'',and [[C.J. Langenhoven]]'s standard works  ''[[Die Hoop van Suid-Afrika]]'' and ''[[Die Familiesaak]]''.  They considered ''[[Fijne Beskuite]]'' ("Fine biscuits") one of their triumphs, and it was done numerous times.  

They also published the journal [[Ons Taal]].

== Sources ==

[[P.J. du Toit]],  1988 [JH, TH]

== For more information ==


== Return to ==


Return to [[South_African_Theatre/Venues|South African Theatre Venues, Companies, Societies, etc ]]

Return to [[The ESAT Entries]]

Return to [[Main Page]]