Difference between revisions of "Marius Weyers"

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(1945-) Actor on stage, TV and film. Perhaps one of the most revered Afrikaans actors of his generation. Born in Johannesburg, ***.  
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'''Marius Weyers''' (1945-). Actor on stage, TV and film. Perhaps one of the most revered Afrikaans actors of his generation.  
  
 +
== Biography ==
  
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'''TO BE EDITED'''
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Born [[Martin Marius Weyers]] in Johannesburg on 3 February, 1945, the son of Maarten Henrik Jooste Weyers (1900-1970) and Martha Maria Ackerman (1906-1969), the sister of actor-manager [[Anton Ackermann]]. The couple had six children , of which the second youngest.
  
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He married artist and translator [[Evette Weyers]] ().
  
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== Career ==
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In 1964 he relinquished his Legal Studies to join [[PACT]] (the [[Performing Arts Council of the Transvaal]]) as an Assistant Stage Manager. He soon landed a small role in an educational programme, and this led to other small parts with PACT's Educational Theatre Company. He then moved into the adult company. He was to have  an eleven year association with [[PACT]], during which time he performed in an average of six Theatre productions a year. In 1975 he left to turn freelance and for the following eight years he performed in independent theatre with [[Barney Simon]] and others (notably at the [[Market Theatre]], while gradually also working on a film and television career. He returned to [[PACT]] for a brief spell as Artistic Director for [[PACT]] Drama (1983-1986), and thereafter returned to work freelance, and for a number of years in the 1990s he divided his time between Hollywood and South Africa.
  
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== Theatre ==
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==Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance==
  
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In 1964 he relinquished his Legal Studies to join [[PACT]] (the[[Performing Arts Council of the Transvaal]] as an Assistant Stage Manager. He soon landed a small role in an educational programme, and this led to other small parts with PACT's Educational Theatre Company. He then moved into the adult company, and his first lead was in the iconic play ''[[Ampie]]'' (Van Bruggen) but the role that set his career alightr was that of in 1971 came his definitive interpretation of "Jakes" in  [[Francois Swart]]’s production of the celebrated box-office success, ''[[Siener in die Suburbs]]'' ([[P.G. du Plessis]]). He was to have  an eleven year association with [[PACT]], during which time he performed in an average of six Theatre productions a year. In 1975 he left to turn freelance and for the following eight years he performed in independent theatre with [[Barney Simon]] and others (notably at the [[Market Theatre]], while gradually also working on a film and television career. He returned to [[PACT]] for a brief spell as Artistic Director for [[PACT]] Drama (1983-1986), and thereafter returned to work freelance, and for a number of years in the 1990s he divided his time between Hollywood and South Africa.
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=== Theatre ===
  
 +
His first lead for [[PACT]] was in the iconic play ''[[Ampie]]'' (Van Bruggen) but the role that set his career alight was that of in 1971 came his definitive interpretation of "Jakes" in  [[Francois Swart]]’s production of the celebrated box-office success, ''[[Siener in die Suburbs]]'' ([[P.G. du Plessis]]).
  
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=== Roles as actor===
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=== Roles as actor on stage ===
  
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His first stage lead was the name role in ''[[Ampie]]'' the classic [[Jochem van Bruggen]] play and in 1971 came his definitive interpretation of “Jakes”in  [[Francois Swart]]’s production of ''[[Siener in die Suburbs]]'' ([[P.G. du Plessis]]). Leads in more than 130 plays followed, including for [[PACT]]: Performed in Hello and Goodbye, Othello (as “Lago”), The Crucible (as “Proctor”), Die Reënmaker (as “Starbuck”), Equus (as “Martin Dysart”), Othello (for Kruik in 1977 as “Othello”), The Guest, Becket (as “Becket”) and in A Lesson from Aloes (as “Piet”).  ''[[Die Seemeeu]]'', (19**), ''[[The Royal Hunt of the Sun]]'' (1981), ''[[Vasvat van ‘n Feeks]]'' (''[[Taming of a Shrew]]''), ''[[Begeerte]]'' (''[[Desire under the Elms]]''), ***. ****, ''[[Hamlet]]'' (198*), [[Becket]] (198*), [[Othello]] (198*), [[Hotel Paradiso]] (198*), (19**),    *** [[Empire of the Sun]] ([[Shaffer]], 19**), **. For the [[Market Theatre]]: ''[[Die Vroue van Troje]]'' (“Women of Troy” - 1976), ''[[The Seagull]]'' (1976), ''[[A Lesson from Aloes]]'' ([[Athol Fugard]], 198*), ''[[Outers]]'' ([[Barney Simon]], 198*),  ''[[Making Like America]]'' ([[Paul Slabolepszy|Slabolepszy]], 198*) and [[Fordsburg’s Finest]] ([[Paul Slabolepszy|Slabolepszy]], 1998) . For [[Mannie Manim Productions]]: ''[[Valley Song]]'' ([[Athol Fugard]], 2000?) and for the [[Baxter Theatre Centre]]: ''[[Sorrows and Recjoicings]]'' ([[Athol Fugard]], 2001), ''[[Oom Vanya]]/[[Uncle Vanya]]'' (2004- [[Fleur du Cap Theatre Award]] for Best Leading Actor), ''[[Twaalfde Nag]]'' (2005), ''[[Begeerte]]'' ([[Eugene O’Neill]]’s ''[[Desire under the Elms]]'', [[Baxter Theatre]]  and [[KKNK]] 2006), ''[[Lang Dagreis na die Nag]]'' ([[KKNK]] and [[Rys, Vleis en Artappels]], 2008) .  
+
His first stage lead was the name role in ''[[Ampie]]'' the classic [[Jochem van Bruggen]] play and in 1971 came his definitive interpretation of “Jakes”in  [[Francois Swart]]’s production of ''[[Siener in die Suburbs]]'' ([[P.G. du Plessis]]).
  
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One-man shows include [[Kafka]]’s ''[[Report to an Academy]]'' (translated and directed by [[Mario Schiess]] 1980 onwards, [[Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards|Fleur du Cap Theatre Award]] 1980) and ''[[Weyers]]'' ([[Chris Vorster]], 2000), and ''[[Bal en Klou]]'' (with author [[Chris Vorster]], 2001).  
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Leads in more than 130 plays followed, including for [[PACT]]: ''[[Hello and Goodbye]]'', an [[Afrikaans]] production of ''[[Othello]]'' (as “Iago”, [[PACT]], 1975), ''[[The Crucible]]'' (as “Proctor”), ''[[Die Reënmaker]]'' (as “Starbuck”), ''[[Equus]]'' (as “Martin Dysart”), ''[[Othello]]'' (for [[KRUIK]] in 1977 as “Othello”), ''[[The Guest]]'', an [[Afrikaans]] production of ''[[Becket of die Eer van God]]'' (as “Becket” in 1979) and in ''[[A Lesson from Aloes]]'' (as “Piet”), ''[[Die Seemeeu]]'', (1972), ''[[Woyzeck]]'', ''[[The Royal Hunt of the Sun]]'' (1981), ''[[Die Vasvat van 'n Feeks]]'' (''[[The Taming of the Shrew]]'', 1983), ''[[Die Trem se Naam: Begeerte]]'', an Afrikaans translation of [[Tennessee Williams]]’''[[A Streetcar Named Desire]]'' in May 1985, ''[[Emigrante|Die Emigrante]]'' (1986), ''[[Hamlet]]'' (in [[Afrikaans]], 1987), ''[[Hotel Paradiso]]'' (198*), (19**), ''[[Strider]]'' at the [[Alexander Theatre]] in 1987.
  
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Together with [[Sandra Prinsloo]] he won best Afrikaans actor/ress awards for his role in [[P.G.Du Plessis]]’ ''[[Siener in die Suburbs]]'' which was staged by [[PACT]] in 1971. It was directed by [[François Swart]]. He starred in [[Barney Simon]]’s production of [[Arthur Miller]]’s ''[[The Crucible]]'' for [[PACT]] together with [[Patrick Mynhardt]], [[Michael McCabe]], [[Aletta Bezuidenhout]] and [[Michele Maxwell]] in 1975. He starred in [[François Swart]]’s Afrikaans production of ''[[Othello]]'' for [[PACT]] with [[Sandra Prinsloo]] and [[Louis van Niekerk]] in 1975. He starred in [[Barney Simon]]’s production of [[Chekhov]]’s ''[[The Seagull]]'' at [[Upstairs at the Market]] in June 1976 with [[Vanessa Cooke]], [[Sandra Prinsloo]], [[Erica Rogers]], [[Bill Brewer]], [[Danny Keogh]], [[Lindsay Reardon]] and [[Bess Finney]]. He starred in [[Athol Fugard]]’s ''[[A Lesson from Aloes]]'', directed by and starring [[Fugard]], together with [[Shelagh Holliday]] at [[The Market Theatre]] in November 1978. He starred in ''[[Report to an Academy]]'', which [[Mario Schiess]] translated (from [[Kafka]]’s German) and directed, at [[The Laager]] in 1979. He starred in a translation of [[Becket]] for [[PACT]] in 1979. He starred in ''[[A Lesson from Aloes]]'' together with [[Shelagh Holliday]] and [[Bill Curry]] at [[Upstairs at the Market]] in 1980. It was directed by [[Ross Devenish]]. He won the DALRO best actor award in both the English and Afrikaans categories for ''[[Report to an Academy]]'' and ''[[Becket]]''. He starred in [[Peter Shaffer]]’s ''[[The Royal Hunt of the Sun]]'', directed by [[Leonard Schach]] together with [[Keith Grenville]], [[Michael McCabe]], [[David Horner]], [[Patrick Mynhardt]] and [[Bill Flynn]]. It was staged during the opening season of the [[Pretoria State Theatre]] in 1981. He starred in [[N.P.van Wyk Louw]]’s ''[[Germanicus]]'' which formed part of the opening season of the [[Pretoria State Theatre]] in 1981. He starred in [[William Egan]]’s production of an Afrikaans translation of ''[[The Taming of the Shrew]]'' called ''[[Die Vasvat van ‘n Feeks]]'' together with [[Sandra Prinsloo]] for [[PACT]] at the [[Pretoria State Theatre]] in February 1983 which then went to the [[Alexander]] in March.  He starred in [[Paul Slabolepszy]]’s ''[[Making Like America]]'' together with Paul, [[Nicky Rebelo]] and [[Lida Meiring]] under [[Bobby Heaney]]’s direction at the [[Market]] in December 1986. He starred in [[Bobby Heaney]]’s production of ''[[Die Trem se Naam: Begeerte]]'', an Afrikaans translation of [[Tennessee Williams]]’''[[A Streetcar Named Desire]]'' together with [[Brumilda van Rensburg]] for [[TRUK]] in May 1985. He starred in [[PACT]]’s production of [[Mark Rozovsky]]’s ''[[Strider]]'' at the [[Alexander]] in 1987. He starred in an Afrikaans translation of ''[[Hamlet]]'' for [[TRUK]] at the [[State Theatre]] and the [[Roodepoort Civic]] in 1987. ''[[Report to an Academy]]'', ''[[Vasvat van 'n Feeks]]'' met  [[William Egan]] (Dir) [[Sandra Prinsloo]] ,''[[Sorrows and Rejoicings]]'', 2001.[[Baxter]]. ''[[Op soek na generaal Mannetjies Mentz]]'' ([[Aardklop]],  1999),
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He played Menelaus in ''[[The Trojan Women|Vroue van Troje]]'' for [[The Company]] in 1977.  
  
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=== Directing ===
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He starred in Peter Shaffer’s ''[[The Royal Hunt of the Sun]]'', directed by [[Leonard Schach]] and in [[N.P. van Wyk Louw]]’s ''[[Germanicus]]'', staged during the opening season of the [[Pretoria State Theatre]] in 1981.
  
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During his brief stint as Creative Director at [[PACT]] he directed a superb version of [[Elsa Joubert]]’s ''[[Poppie Nongena]]'', which also toured townships. He made his directorial debut with [[PACT]]’s revival of ''[[Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena]]'' starring [[Nomsa Nene]] in August 1983 at the [[State Theatre]] and then the [[Alexander Theatre]]. In 1984 [[Nomsa Nene]] starred in his production of the English version of this play at the [[Market Theatre]].
+
For the [[Market Theatre]]: ''[[Die Vroue van Troje]]'' (“Women of Troy” - 1976), ''[[The Seagull]]'' (1976), ''[[A Lesson from Aloes]]'' ([[Athol Fugard]], 1978 and 1980), ''[[Outers]]'' ([[Barney Simon]], 198*),  ''[[Making Like America]]'' ([[Paul Slabolepszy|Slabolepszy]], 1986) and ''[[Fordsburg's Finest]]'' ([[Paul Slabolepszy|Slabolepszy]],
 +
1998). One-man shows include Kafka’s ''[[Report to an Academy]]'' (translated and directed by [[Mario Schiess]] at [[The Laager]] in 1979 and 1980 onwards, and ''[[Marius Weyers]]'' ([[Chris Vorster]], 2000), and ''[[Bal en Klou]]'' (with author [[Chris Vorster]], 2001).
 +
''[[Eendsonderend]]'' (vertaling van [[David Mamet]] se ''[[Duck Variations]]'' in 2011. ''[[Die Koopman van Venisië]]'' in 2011, ''[[Bagasie]]'' van [[André P. Brink]],  ''[[Die Drie van der Walts]]''.
  
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== Film ==
+
For [[Mannie Manim Productions]]: ''[[Valley Song]]'' ([[Athol Fugard]], 2000?) and for the [[Baxter Theatre Centre]]: ''[[Sorrows and Rejoicings]]'' ([[Athol Fugard]], 2001), ''[[Oom Wanja]]/[[Uncle Vanya]]'' (2004- [[Fleur du Cap]] for Best Leading Actor), ''[[Twaalfde Nag]]'' (2005), ''[[Begeerte]]'' ([[Eugene O'Neill]]’s ''[[Desire under the Elms]]'' ([[Baxter Theatre]]  and [[KKNK]] 2006), ''[[Lang Dagreis na die Nag]]'' ([[KKNK]] and [[Vleis, Rys en Aartappels]], 2008), ''[[Die Seemeeu]]'' ([[Saartjie Botha]] translation, 2015) .
 +
 
 +
One-man shows include Kafka’s ''[[Report to an Academy]]'' (translated and directed by [[Mario Schiess]] at [[The Laager]] in 1979 and 1980 onwards, and ''[[Weyers]]'' ([[Chris Vorster]], 2000), and ''[[Bal en Klou]]'' (with author [[Chris Vorster]], 2001).
 +
 
 +
Other productions include ''[[Generaal Mannetjies Mentz]]'' ([[Aardklop]],  1999), ''[[Sorrows and Rejoicings]]'', ( [[Baxter Theatre]], 2001), ''[[The Father]]'' by Florian Zeller ([[Fugard Theatre]], 2016).
 +
 
 +
=== Stage directing ===
 +
He made his directorial debut with [[PACT]]’s revival of ''[[Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena]]'' starring [[Nomsa Nene]] in August 1983 at the [[State Theatre]] and then the [[Alexander Theatre]]. In 1984 [[Nomsa Nene]] starred in his production of the English version of this play at the [[Market Theatre]].
 +
 
 +
=== Film ===
  
 
His film career can be said to have begun when he obtained an 8mm camera. His interest, however, was not in performing but rather directing and it was horror genre movies that initially inspired the young artist.  
 
His film career can be said to have begun when he obtained an 8mm camera. His interest, however, was not in performing but rather directing and it was horror genre movies that initially inspired the young artist.  
  
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Films include ''The Gods Must be Crazy ''(Jamie Uys, 19**),  ''Paljas'' (Katinka Heyns ***, 19**) ''Tigers Don't Cry'' (***, 19**), ''The Guest'' (Ross Devenish, 19**), ''Deep Star Six ''(***, 19**), ''Bopha!'' (***, 19**), ''Ghandi'' (Attenborough, 199*), ''The Power of One'' (199*), ''Farewell to the King'' (199*), ''Stander'' (199*), ''Red Dust'' (200*). In 1983 he received a surprise telephone call from Roman Polanski who had seen, and loved, ''THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY''. The Polish director flew him to Paris two days later for rehearsals and then fought a long and hard battle to cast Marius as "Captain Red" a role that later went to Walter Matthau in ''PIRATES''. The part was originally written for Jack Nicholson. "Pure Blood" is proud to have cast Marius in the pivotal role of the General.
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However, he intially began as an Assistant Stage Manager and stage actor, only later being cast in films as well. In the end he appeared in over 35 motion pictures most notably the huge box-office hit ''[[The Gods Must be Crazy]]'', for which he garnered the "Best Comedy Actor" Award at the Charles Chaplin Festival in Switzerland. He earned his recognition as an international actor with this performance, and became a member of SAG.
 +
 
 +
Some notable international feature credits include ''[[Tigers Don't Cry]]'' with Anthony Quinn (Weyers's international feature debut), Richard Attenborough's ''Ghandi'', ''Farewell to the King' (directed by John Milius and starring Nick Nolte), ''[[Bhopa!]]'' (directed by Morgan Freeman and starring Danny Glover) and John Avildson's ''[[The Power of One]]''.  as well as his  in
 +
 
 +
His best known South African films include ''[[The Gods Must Be Crazy]]'' ([[Jamie Uys]], 19**),  ''[[Paljas]]'' ([[Katinka Heyns]] ***, 19**) ''[[Tigers Don't Cry]]'' (***, 19**), ''[[The Guest]]'' (Ross Devenish, 19**), ''[[Deep Star Six]]''(***, 19**), ''[[Bopha!]]'' (***, 19**), ''[[Ghandi]]'' (Attenborough, 199*), ''[[The Power of One]]'' (199*), ''[[Farewell to the King]]'' (199*), ''[[Stander]]'' (199*), ''[[Red Dust]]'' (200*).  
 +
 
 +
1967 ''[[Love Nights in the Taiga]]'' as Markjoff
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 +
1974 ''[[No Gold for a Dead Diver]]'' as Rene Chagrin
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 +
1977 ''[[Target of an Assassin]]'' as Colonel Pahler
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1980 ''[[The Gods Must Be Crazy]]'' as Andrew Steyn
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1982 ''[[Gandhi]]'' as Train Conductor
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1988 ''[[Thieves of Fortune]]''
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1989 ''[[DeepStar Six]]'' as Dr. John Van Gelder
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1989 ''[[Farewell to the King]]'' as Sergeant Conklin
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1989 ''[[Happy Together]]'' as Denny Dollenbacher
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 +
1989 ''[[Jewel of the Gods]]'' as Snowy Grinder
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 +
1992 ''[[The Power of One]]'' as Professor Daniel Marais
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 +
1992 ''[[Golden Girls]]'' as Derek
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 +
1993 ''[[Bopha!]]'' as Van Tonder
 +
 
 +
1997 ''[[Paljas]]'' as Hendrik MacDonald
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2003 ''[[Stander]]'' as General Francois Jacobus Stander, Andre Stander's Father
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2005 ''[[The Triangle]]'' as Karl Sheedy
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2006 ''[[Blood Diamond]]'' as Rudolf Van de Kaap
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2013 ''[[Nothing for Mahala]]'' as Hendrik Botha
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 +
2018 ''[[The Seagull]]'' (''[[Die Seemeeu]]'') as Piet
  
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over 35 motion pictures most notably the huge box-office hit ''THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY'', for which he garnered the "Best Comedy Actor" Award at the Charles Chaplin Festival in Switzerland. He earned his recognition as an international actor this performance, and became a member of SAG. His most notable international feature credits include Richard Attenborough's ''GHANDI'', ''FAREWELL TO THE KING'' (directed by John Milius and starring Nick Nolte), ''BHOPA'' (directed by Morgan Freeman and starring Danny Glover) and John Avildson's ''THE POWER OF ONE'' as well as his international feature debut in ''TIGERS DON'T CRY'' with Anthony Quinn.
+
2018 ''[[The Recce]]'' as General Piet Visagie
  
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2019 ''[[The Story of Racheltjie De Beer]]'' as George
  
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== Television ==
 
  
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In 1983 he received a surprise telephone call from Roman Polanski who had seen, and loved, ''The Gods Must be Crazy''. The Polish director flew him to Paris two days later for rehearsals and then fought a long and hard battle to cast Marius as "Captain Red" a role that later went to Walter Matthau in ''Pirates''. The part was originally written for Jack Nicholson. "Pure Blood" is proud to have cast Marius in the pivotal role of the General.
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Television performances include Die *** Faktor (SABC, ??, 19**); ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'',  ''Onder Draai die Duiwel Rond'' [“Underneath the Devil dances”] (Katinka Heyns, 1999 & 2001); ''Tekwan, The Golden Girls'' (**. 19**), ''Nurses'' (***, 19**), ''Good and Evil, Designing Women'', ''[[Sewende Laan]]''.
+
 
 +
He has appeared in over 35 motion pictures most notably the huge box-office hit ''The Gods Must be Crazy'', for which he garnered the "Best Comedy Actor" Award at the Charles Chaplin Festival in Switzerland. He earned his recognition as an international actor with this performance, and became a member of SAG. His most notable international feature credits include Richard Attenborough's ''Ghandi'', ''Farewell to the King' (directed by John Milius and starring Nick Nolte), ''Bhopa'' (directed by Morgan Freeman and starring Danny Glover) and John Avildson's ''The Power of One'' as well as his international feature debut in 'Tigers Don’t Cry'' with Anthony Quinn.
 +
 
 +
=== Television ===
 +
 
 +
Television performances include ''[[Die Groen Faktor]]'' (SABC, ??, 19**); ''[[A Midsummer Night's Dream]]'',  ''[[Onder Draai die Duiwel Rond]]'' [“The Devil dances below”] ([[Katinka Heyns]], 1999 & 2001); ''Tekwan, The Golden Girls'' (**. 19**), ''Nurses'' (***, 19**), ''Good and Evil, Designing Women'', ''[[Sewende Laan]]'', ''[[Feast of the Uninvited]]'' (2008), ''[[Woestynblom]]'' (TV series, as Jerry F).
  
 
== Awards ==
 
== Awards ==
  
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Awards include 13 best actor awards for theatre, 3 for film roles and the Medal of Honour for his contribution to theatre from the [[SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns]].  Best Actor awards in 1971 and 1972, winner of a Three-leaf award in 1972. Best Actor Awards, including those for his one man show ''[[Report to an academy]]''(Kafka) which won international critical acclaim and enjoyed successful runs in Edinburgh, Israel and Los Angeles. He is also the recipient of "The Medal of Honour from the South African Academy of Arts and Sciences" for contribution to Theatre.
+
Awards include 13 Best Actor awards for theatre, including those for his one man show ''[[Report to an Academy]]'' (Kafka) which won international critical acclaim and enjoyed successful runs in Edinburgh, Israel and Los Angeles, 3 for film roles and the Medal of Honour for his contribution to theatre from the [[Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns]].  
  
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Steward Leith Award.
+
Together with [[Sandra Prinsloo]] he won best Afrikaans actor/ress awards for his role in [[P.G. du Plessis]]s’ ''[[Siener in die Suburbs]]'' which was staged by [[PACT]] in 1971.
 +
 
 +
He also won the [[Stuart Leith Trophy]].
 +
 
 +
He won the [[DALRO]] best actor award in both the English and Afrikaans categories for ''[[Report to an Academy]]'' and ''[[Becket]]''.
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
  
−
Tucker, 1997
+
[[Chris Vorster]]. 2023. ''[[Marius Weyers]]''. Pretoria: [[Protea Boekhuis]].
 +
 
 +
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marius_Weyers
 +
 
 +
https://www.netwerk24.com/sarie/bekendes/ons-praat-met/marius-weyers-20170914
 +
 
 +
[[Beeld]], 10 January 1985.
 +
 
 +
[[ESAT Bibliography Tra-Tz|Tucker]], 1997.
 +
 
 +
[[SACD]] 1973; 1977/78; 1978/79; 1979/80.
 +
 
 +
[[Beeld]], 23 January 2008.
 +
 
 +
[[Beeld]]. 26 September 2011.
 +
 
 +
[[Beeld]], 8 October 2011.
  
−
(SACD 1973) (SACD 1977/78) (SACD 1978/79) (SACD1979/80)
+
Various entries in the [[NELM]] catalogue.
  
 
==Return to==
 
==Return to==

Latest revision as of 14:58, 13 November 2023

Marius Weyers (1945-). Actor on stage, TV and film. Perhaps one of the most revered Afrikaans actors of his generation.

Biography

Born Martin Marius Weyers in Johannesburg on 3 February, 1945, the son of Maarten Henrik Jooste Weyers (1900-1970) and Martha Maria Ackerman (1906-1969), the sister of actor-manager Anton Ackermann. The couple had six children , of which the second youngest.

He married artist and translator Evette Weyers ().

Career

In 1964 he relinquished his Legal Studies to join PACT (the Performing Arts Council of the Transvaal) as an Assistant Stage Manager. He soon landed a small role in an educational programme, and this led to other small parts with PACT's Educational Theatre Company. He then moved into the adult company. He was to have an eleven year association with PACT, during which time he performed in an average of six Theatre productions a year. In 1975 he left to turn freelance and for the following eight years he performed in independent theatre with Barney Simon and others (notably at the Market Theatre, while gradually also working on a film and television career. He returned to PACT for a brief spell as Artistic Director for PACT Drama (1983-1986), and thereafter returned to work freelance, and for a number of years in the 1990s he divided his time between Hollywood and South Africa.

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

Theatre

His first lead for PACT was in the iconic play Ampie (Van Bruggen) but the role that set his career alight was that of in 1971 came his definitive interpretation of "Jakes" in Francois Swart’s production of the celebrated box-office success, Siener in die Suburbs (P.G. du Plessis).

Roles as actor on stage

His first stage lead was the name role in Ampie the classic Jochem van Bruggen play and in 1971 came his definitive interpretation of “Jakes”in Francois Swart’s production of Siener in die Suburbs (P.G. du Plessis).

Leads in more than 130 plays followed, including for PACT: Hello and Goodbye, an Afrikaans production of Othello (as “Iago”, PACT, 1975), The Crucible (as “Proctor”), Die Reënmaker (as “Starbuck”), Equus (as “Martin Dysart”), Othello (for KRUIK in 1977 as “Othello”), The Guest, an Afrikaans production of Becket of die Eer van God (as “Becket” in 1979) and in A Lesson from Aloes (as “Piet”), Die Seemeeu, (1972), Woyzeck, The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1981), Die Vasvat van 'n Feeks (The Taming of the Shrew, 1983), Die Trem se Naam: Begeerte, an Afrikaans translation of Tennessee Williams’A Streetcar Named Desire in May 1985, Die Emigrante (1986), Hamlet (in Afrikaans, 1987), Hotel Paradiso (198*), (19**), Strider at the Alexander Theatre in 1987.

He played Menelaus in Vroue van Troje for The Company in 1977.

He starred in Peter Shaffer’s The Royal Hunt of the Sun, directed by Leonard Schach and in N.P. van Wyk Louw’s Germanicus, staged during the opening season of the Pretoria State Theatre in 1981.

For the Market Theatre: Die Vroue van Troje (“Women of Troy” - 1976), The Seagull (1976), A Lesson from Aloes (Athol Fugard, 1978 and 1980), Outers (Barney Simon, 198*), Making Like America (Slabolepszy, 1986) and Fordsburg's Finest (Slabolepszy, 1998). One-man shows include Kafka’s Report to an Academy (translated and directed by Mario Schiess at The Laager in 1979 and 1980 onwards, and Marius Weyers (Chris Vorster, 2000), and Bal en Klou (with author Chris Vorster, 2001). Eendsonderend (vertaling van David Mamet se Duck Variations in 2011. Die Koopman van Venisië in 2011, Bagasie van André P. Brink, Die Drie van der Walts.

For Mannie Manim Productions: Valley Song (Athol Fugard, 2000?) and for the Baxter Theatre Centre: Sorrows and Rejoicings (Athol Fugard, 2001), Oom Wanja/Uncle Vanya (2004- Fleur du Cap for Best Leading Actor), Twaalfde Nag (2005), Begeerte (Eugene O'Neill’s Desire under the Elms (Baxter Theatre and KKNK 2006), Lang Dagreis na die Nag (KKNK and Vleis, Rys en Aartappels, 2008), Die Seemeeu (Saartjie Botha translation, 2015) .

One-man shows include Kafka’s Report to an Academy (translated and directed by Mario Schiess at The Laager in 1979 and 1980 onwards, and Weyers (Chris Vorster, 2000), and Bal en Klou (with author Chris Vorster, 2001).

Other productions include Generaal Mannetjies Mentz (Aardklop, 1999), Sorrows and Rejoicings, ( Baxter Theatre, 2001), The Father by Florian Zeller (Fugard Theatre, 2016).

Stage directing

He made his directorial debut with PACT’s revival of Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena starring Nomsa Nene in August 1983 at the State Theatre and then the Alexander Theatre. In 1984 Nomsa Nene starred in his production of the English version of this play at the Market Theatre.

Film

His film career can be said to have begun when he obtained an 8mm camera. His interest, however, was not in performing but rather directing and it was horror genre movies that initially inspired the young artist.

However, he intially began as an Assistant Stage Manager and stage actor, only later being cast in films as well. In the end he appeared in over 35 motion pictures most notably the huge box-office hit The Gods Must be Crazy, for which he garnered the "Best Comedy Actor" Award at the Charles Chaplin Festival in Switzerland. He earned his recognition as an international actor with this performance, and became a member of SAG.

Some notable international feature credits include Tigers Don't Cry with Anthony Quinn (Weyers's international feature debut), Richard Attenborough's Ghandi, Farewell to the King' (directed by John Milius and starring Nick Nolte), Bhopa! (directed by Morgan Freeman and starring Danny Glover) and John Avildson's The Power of One. as well as his in

His best known South African films include The Gods Must Be Crazy (Jamie Uys, 19**), Paljas (Katinka Heyns ***, 19**) Tigers Don't Cry (***, 19**), The Guest (Ross Devenish, 19**), Deep Star Six(***, 19**), Bopha! (***, 19**), Ghandi (Attenborough, 199*), The Power of One (199*), Farewell to the King (199*), Stander (199*), Red Dust (200*).

1967 Love Nights in the Taiga as Markjoff

1974 No Gold for a Dead Diver as Rene Chagrin

1977 Target of an Assassin as Colonel Pahler

1980 The Gods Must Be Crazy as Andrew Steyn

1982 Gandhi as Train Conductor

1988 Thieves of Fortune

1989 DeepStar Six as Dr. John Van Gelder

1989 Farewell to the King as Sergeant Conklin

1989 Happy Together as Denny Dollenbacher

1989 Jewel of the Gods as Snowy Grinder

1992 The Power of One as Professor Daniel Marais

1992 Golden Girls as Derek

1993 Bopha! as Van Tonder

1997 Paljas as Hendrik MacDonald

2003 Stander as General Francois Jacobus Stander, Andre Stander's Father

2005 The Triangle as Karl Sheedy

2006 Blood Diamond as Rudolf Van de Kaap

2013 Nothing for Mahala as Hendrik Botha

2018 The Seagull (Die Seemeeu) as Piet

2018 The Recce as General Piet Visagie

2019 The Story of Racheltjie De Beer as George


In 1983 he received a surprise telephone call from Roman Polanski who had seen, and loved, The Gods Must be Crazy. The Polish director flew him to Paris two days later for rehearsals and then fought a long and hard battle to cast Marius as "Captain Red" a role that later went to Walter Matthau in Pirates. The part was originally written for Jack Nicholson. "Pure Blood" is proud to have cast Marius in the pivotal role of the General.

He has appeared in over 35 motion pictures most notably the huge box-office hit The Gods Must be Crazy, for which he garnered the "Best Comedy Actor" Award at the Charles Chaplin Festival in Switzerland. He earned his recognition as an international actor with this performance, and became a member of SAG. His most notable international feature credits include Richard Attenborough's Ghandi, Farewell to the King' (directed by John Milius and starring Nick Nolte), Bhopa (directed by Morgan Freeman and starring Danny Glover) and John Avildson's The Power of One as well as his international feature debut in 'Tigers Don’t Cry with Anthony Quinn.

Television

Television performances include Die Groen Faktor (SABC, ??, 19**); A Midsummer Night's Dream, Onder Draai die Duiwel Rond [“The Devil dances below”] (Katinka Heyns, 1999 & 2001); Tekwan, The Golden Girls (**. 19**), Nurses (***, 19**), Good and Evil, Designing Women, Sewende Laan, Feast of the Uninvited (2008), Woestynblom (TV series, as Jerry F).

Awards

Awards include 13 Best Actor awards for theatre, including those for his one man show Report to an Academy (Kafka) which won international critical acclaim and enjoyed successful runs in Edinburgh, Israel and Los Angeles, 3 for film roles and the Medal of Honour for his contribution to theatre from the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns.

Together with Sandra Prinsloo he won best Afrikaans actor/ress awards for his role in P.G. du Plessiss’ Siener in die Suburbs which was staged by PACT in 1971.

He also won the Stuart Leith Trophy.

He won the DALRO best actor award in both the English and Afrikaans categories for Report to an Academy and Becket.

Sources

Chris Vorster. 2023. Marius Weyers. Pretoria: Protea Boekhuis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marius_Weyers

https://www.netwerk24.com/sarie/bekendes/ons-praat-met/marius-weyers-20170914

Beeld, 10 January 1985.

Tucker, 1997.

SACD 1973; 1977/78; 1978/79; 1979/80.

Beeld, 23 January 2008.

Beeld. 26 September 2011.

Beeld, 8 October 2011.

Various entries in the NELM catalogue.

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