Carel Trichardt

Carel Trichardt (1938-) is a renowned and loved Afrikaans actor (stage, film and TV), director, drama lecturer and activist for performers’ rights.

Biography

Born and had his primary schooling in Johannesburg, then the family moved to Rustenberg where he began participating in eistedfodd and other events, and went on to take elocution lessons. He finished high school in Pretoria, and went to the University of Natal Drama Department, Durban, where he met Petru Wessels, who was to become his wife in 1966. They have three children.

His contribution to South African Theatre, film, media and performance.

As actor

For the stage

In 1963 he was one of the first four people appointed to the Natal Performing Arts Council (NAPAC), and the only actor.

Joined he joined the PACT Youth Company in 1965, later moving on to the main company.

Among Trichardt's most memorable stage performances are …. ???****, "Oubaas Menge" in P.G. du Plessis’s award-winning Die Nag van Legio (1969), *** in Athol Fugard’s Dimetos (197* at The Space) **** He played Shylock in an Afrikaans translation of The Merchant of Venice, directed by Anna Neethling-Pohl, for TRUK in 1969. He starred in Die Kersietuin (Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard) directed by Robert Mohr, with David van der Merwe, Rika Sennett and Wilna Snyman for PACT in 1979.

For TV

Rhodes (TV-mini series, 1996 as Paul Kruger)

Pour tout l'or du Transvaal (TV-mini series), 1979

Les diamants du président (TV-mini series), 1977

Vyfster (TV-series), 1984

Härte 10 (TV-mini series), 1975

Films

Verraaiers (2013); Skin (2008); Catch a Fire (2006); Oh Schuks ... I'm Gatvol! (2004); Friends, 1993; The Fourth Reich (1990), Hellgate (1990), Liewe Hemel, Genis! (1987); Rienie (1980); Flatfoot in Africa (1978); Die Afspraak (1974); Insident op Paradysstrand (1973); Die Voortrekkers (1973); Pressure Burst, 1971 as Dempsey Mans Diamantendetektiv Dick Donald (TV-reeks), 1971 as Sam Smiley Stop Exchange, 1970 Katrina, 1969 as Mnr. Brink Kruger Miljoene, 1967 Kavaliers, 1966

As lecturer

In 1966 appointed lecturer in acting and film studies in the Drama Department, University of Pretoria, a position he held till his retirement in 2003?.

An activist for the rights of the actor, he was inter alia an active member and later chairman of the South African Film and Theatre Union (SAFTU), as well as chairman of the Theatre Benevolent Fund (TBF) for a number of years. His other passion is the cause of the Afrikaans language in professional theatre, serving on numerous advisory committees and organisations.

In 1995 he and his wife, actress Petru Wessels, opened a small venue called Die Teaterhuisie in Moerdyk Street, Pretoria, close by the Breytenbach Theatre, to perform Afrikaans works.

Sources

Personal communication from Carel Trichardt. (3 April 2016)

Percy Tucker, 1997

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