View source for F.W. Boonzaier

[[F.W. Boonzaier]] (1901-1963) was an [[Afrikaans]] dramatist, poet and author. 
== Biography ==

Born [[Fritz Wilhelm Boonzaier]] on 8 December 1901 in Vryburg, in the district of  Victoria West. Had his schooling in Carnarvon and Houtbaai, Cape Town. 

In December 1915 he began working for the newly founded [[Nasionale Pers Beperk]], and would remain there for his whole working life.  Initally working as a setter, he later became a chief proofreader and finally sales manager for the [[Nasionale Handelsdrukkery]].

He soon evolved into a competent author, writing poetry and prose and plays. Best known perhaps for his plays, he was also considered a competent amateur actor, ''inter alia'' appearing in the charity performances put on for the lepers on Robben Island for more than 20 years. 

Having retired because of illness at the end of August in 1959, he passed away at the age of 62 in 1963, leaving a wife and four children.

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

Besides his appearances in amateur plays, he was the author of a number of [[Afrikaans]] plays in the style of [[Melt Brink]]. 

Perhaps his best known work is ''[[Die Spook van Verlatenfontein]]'' ("The Ghost of Verlatenfontein"- 1927, pub 1933), considered the first [[Afrikaans]] stage thriller.  

Other published plays include:

''[[Die Aangenome Dogter]]'' (1929, pub 1931)
 
''[[Lief en Leed van Lena]]'' (Toneelstuk in drie bedrywe - [[HAUM]], 1930), 

''[[Die Stad Sodom]]'' (Toneelstuk in drie bedrywe - 1931) 

''[[Die Professor, en Ander Samesprake]]'' ("The professor and other dialogues") ([[HAUM]], 1932)

''[[Sarie Marais]]'' (a children's operetta, [[HAUM]] 1933 and 1950)

''[[Die Verkeerde Meester, en Ander Samesprake]]'' ("The wrong master and other dialogues") ([[HAUM]], 1933)
 
''[[Twee Samesprake]]'' (a two dialogues for women: ''[[Die Kwaal]]'' and  ''[[Wanneer die Blare Val]]'' ([[HAUM]], 1941)



[TH]

== Sources ==

https://af.wikipedia.org/wiki/F.W._Boonzaier

Boonzaier, Fritz Wilhelm. [[WorldCat]][https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=au%3ABoonzaier%2C+Fritz+Wilhelm.&qt=hot_author]

[[Ludwig Wilhelm  Berthold Binge|Binge, Ludwig Wilhelm  Berthold]] 1969. ''Ontwikkeling van die Afrikaanse toneel (1832-1950)''. Pretoria: [[J.L. van Schaik]]. 

Copy of a catalogue  (handwritten by various hands) of the [[F.C.L. Bosman]] collection held at the [[Nasionale Afrikaanse Letterkunde Museum en Navorsingsentrum]] ([[NALN]]) in Bloemfontein.

Go to the  [[ESAT Bibliography]]

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