Die Goue Kring

Die Goue Kring ("The Golden Circle") is an Afrikaans play by Uys Krige (1910–1987).

The original text

Sub-titled 'n legende in vier bedrywe ("a legend in four acts"), it is a lyrical tale about the circle of life based on a Portuguese legend, but set in Spain by Krige.

First performed in 1956 and published by A.A. Balkema in 1956 and by Human & Rousseau, 1976.

Translations and adaptations

Adapted for radio by Hermien Dommisse, it was broadcast by Radio Sonder Grense on , directed by Evert Snyman, with Hannah Botha, Lochner de Kock, Francois du Bruyn, Matthys du Toit, Douwlina Grobler, Frans Kalp, Dirk Kotzé, Linda Pienaar, André Stolz, Charles van der Merwe, Pieter van Vuuren. Technical support by Johan Chandler and Piet Moskow.

This programme was rebroadcast on 9 April, 2020

Performance history in South Africa

1956: First performed by JAATS for their Festival production at the Library Theatre in Johannesburg starring Salie Vermaak, Pieter Hauptfleisch, Jan Bruijns and Wena Naudé, directed by Hermien Dommisse, decor by Gilles Botbyl.

1958: Directed by Leonie Pienaar at the Little Theatre in May, starring Hannes Horne, Ivor Kruger, Johann Schultz, Pietro Nolte, Danie Marais, Denice Donegan, Lynette Kotzé, Hymie Gien, Lily-Jean Satusky, Estelle Levinsohn, Bob van der Valck, Ghoen Theron. Decor designed and built by Cecil Pym, lighting by Cliff Taylor, costumes by Mavis Taylor and students.

1975: Directed by Hannes Horne as University of Pretoria Drama Department production, with Anna Neethling-Pohl as Moeder Mart.

1976: Staged by Universiteitsteater Stellenbosch in the H.B. Thom Theatre in May 1976, directed by Ria Olivier, assisted by Johann van Heerden, with Karien Scheepers (Marta), Cornelius Pauw (Luis), Johan Fourie (Johan J. Fourie) (Pablo), Suzette Eksteen (Violetta), Elizabeth Archer (Isabella), Christo Compion (Miguel), Pieter van der Merwe (Ferdinand), Johann van Heerden (Vreemdeling), Gisela Taeger-Berger (Dans van die Dood), Fred le Roux (Biskop), Solly Oosthuizen (bedelaar), Iza Trengove (Pedro), Louié Loots (Juan), Karin Griessel (Solidad) and Diane Vlotman, Antoinette Wilkinson, Elsabé Wessels and Tammy Alberts as (Vroue). Décor and lighting by Emile Aucamp, costumes by Elaine Aucamp and music specially composed by Hubert du Plessis.

1982: Presented by PACOFS, directed by Sandra Kotzé, starring, among others, Anna Neethling-Pohl, Richard van der Westhuizen and Sulette Minnaar.

1983: Presented by PEAAT at the Port Elizabeth Opera House 15 - 19 November, with Anna Neethling-Pohl. Gerrit Swanepoel as director.

Sources

The Rand Daily Mail, 16 October 1956.

Rob Antonissen. 1958. "Kronieke. Drie Dramas - Drie Wêrelde" (a review) Standpunte Jaargang XII, Nr 1: pp. 64-66.

PACOFS Drama 25 Years, 1963-1988.

UTS theatre programme May 1976.

Typed up text for the Drama Department, held in the Departmental archive, University of Stellenbosch (1976)

https://www.rsgplus.org/tag/die-goue-kring/

"Ode to an orange tree" by Robyn Sassen, My View by Robyn Sassen and other writers (April 9, 2020)[1]

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