Difference between revisions of "Port Elizabethse Afrikaanse Amateur Toneelvereniging"

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The [[Port Elizabethse Afrikaanse Amateur Toneelvereniging]] ("Port Elizabeth Afrikaans Amateur Theatrical Society") (acronym: [[PEAAT]]) is an [[Afrikaans]] amateur theatre company in Port Elizabeth.   
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The [[Port Elizabethse Afrikaanse Amateur Toneelvereniging]] ("Port Elizabeth Afrikaans Amateur Theatrical Society") (acronym: [[PEAAT]] or [[Peaat]]) is an [[Afrikaans]] amateur theatre company in Port Elizabeth.   
  
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== History (Afrikaans) ==
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Renamed [[ATKV-tak PEAAT]] in 2005. Also referred to as [[ATKV PEAAT]].
  
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Die [[Port Elizabethse Afrikaanse Amateurtoneelvereniging]] (PEAAT) is op 22 Maart 1951 in die pastorie van die NG kerk PE-Wes gestig.
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= History =
  
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Die eerste voorsitter was ds J J Fick, die besieling agter die aksie was sy vrou Collie. Die eerste ondervoorsitter was mnr [[Julius Burmeister]], terwyl die eerste sekretaris-penningmeester prokureur [[Willem Delport]] was. Die oorspronklike wapen was deur diaken J Crous ontwerp.
+
PEAAT was founded on March 22, 1951 in the sitting room of the parsonage of the PE West congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church in Pickering Street, Newton Park, by people closely connected to the church. The first chairman was the dominee [[J. J. “Koos” Fick]], who suggested the motto “Lewe” (Life), while deacon [[J. Crous]] was responsible for the design of the original logo (which was subsequently changed). [[Julius F. I. Burmeister]] was the first vice-chairman while attorney [[Willem Delport]] was the first secretary-treasurer. The other first committee members were [[D. S. Smith]], [[Frikkie Knoetze]] (who later contributed years of producing and acting), [[J. R. Bekker]] and, of course, Mrs [[Collie Fick]].
  
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Van die staanspoor af was die doel "om in diens van die Kerk en onderwys toneel te bied en sodoende geld in te bring vir broodnodige sake". Verder, " . . . om sodoende die gemeentes te help met fondsinsamelings en ook omdat dit moeilik vir die publiek was om die opvoerings by te woon weens beperkte vervoergeriewe".
+
Various PEAAT productions were entered in the [[Pemads - Salters Awards]] - and did very well while individual PEAAT players made names for themselves. Over the years, PEAAT has had close relations with the [[Port Elizabethse Afrikaanse Kultuurraad]], the [[Department of Culture and Education]] and with all the local English-speaking theatre groups. The organisation also had close ties with Dutch people like the late [[Dien Verstappen]] and [[Rudi Kindermans]]. PEAAT productions were regularly performed in Kareedouw, Bellville, Humansdorp, Jansenville and Gelvandale. Individual PEAAT players, as well the oragnisation, were regularly involved in special Easter or Christmas programmes, and during celebrations on various public holidays.  
  
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Met die eerste aanbieding deur PEAAT, in Junie, 1951, dit was drie eenbedrywe, het Mev [[Collie Fick]] dis stad plat geloop en 100 pond by firmas, gemeentes en vriende ingesamel om te kan wegspring.  
+
A few of the organisations which have benefitted from PEAAT fundraising over the years include cultural bodies, schools, cultural organisations, women’s organisations, church congregations, the [[Afrikaanse Christelike Vrouevereniging]], the [[Afrikaanse Opvoedingsfonds]], the [[Christelike Maatskaplike Raad]], the [[Piet Retief Monument]], the [[Rapportryers]], the [[Red Cross]], the [[Reddingsdaadbond]], [[St Johns Ambulance]], the [[UPE Donors' Foundation]] and the [[Voortrekkers]].  
  
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Die drie stukke, wat in die stadsaal opgevoer is, was [[H A Fagan]] se ''[[Die Swakere Vat]]'', [[D F Malherbe]] se ''[[Krom Stompe]]'' en [[W A de Klerk]] se ''[[Hellersee]]''. Van hierdie spelers was Willem and [[Kathleen Delport]], [[ds B Leuvennink]], [[Wessel Gericke]], Collie en [[Koos Fick]] en [[Kitty Greef]].
+
==Patrons==
  
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“Ek lees in een van die ou dokumente dat daar verwys is na ’n organisasie wat van krag tot krag gaan maar dat PEAAT letterlik van kerk tot kerk gegaan het,” het die huidige voorsitter, me. [[Emercia de Lange]], gesê.
+
The first two honorary patrons were [[P.P.B. Breytenbach]] of the [[ Federation of Amateur Theatrical Societies of South Africa]], ([[FATSSA]]), Pretoria and [[J. C. K. “Boet” Erasmus]].  Patrons, amongst others, included [[Albertus “Oom Dellie” Delport]], [[Boet Kleu]] and [[Dr Andrew Rabie]]. In 1951, [[Nasionale Pers]] and the Rembrandt group were patron companies, while 15 people purchased honorary membership for two guineas each and regular membership cost 5 shillings per annum.
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Die eerste beskermvrou was [[Anna Neethling-Pohl]] en later is prof. Marius­ Swart as erepresident aangewys. Hy was in dié posisie vir 25 jaar. Swart is in Februarie 1999 deur mnr. Eben de Vos opgevolg wat tans erepresident is.
 
  
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PROF. [[MARIUS SWART]], wat ná 25 jaar uitgetree het as erepresident van Peaat, die Port Elizabethse Afrikaanse Amateur Toneelgeselskap, sê hy voel oor Peaat soos 'n ouma oor haar eerste kleinkind: ``Of die onderwerp onder bespreking nou Japan of skaap skeer is, sy sal altyd 'n verskoning kry om haar kleinkind se foto te wys.''  
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==PEAAT's founding goals==
  
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In sy jong dae was hy aktief by die teater betrokke hy het selfs as student saam met die legendariese [[André Huguenet]] in ''[[Oedipus Rex]]'' opgetree en saam met [[Rudi Neitz]] gesing. Van hy sowat 30 jaar gelede in Port Elizabeth kom woon het, het sy werk as professor in geskiedenis aan die UPE en sy gesin hy is pa van vyf kinders hom te besig gehou om toneel te speel. Maar as erepresident van Peaat kon hy sy vinger op die pols hou van die toneellewe in die stad.
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The founding goals were:
  
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``Ek was hoofsaaklik adviseur,'' sê hy. Die advies het wyer gestrek as geldbesteding of die keuse van stukke. ``Toneelspelers, al is hulle amateurs, ly maar aan kunstenaarstemperament,'' sê hy. As buitestaander moes hy dikwels geskille help oplos wanneer toneelspelers kort voor die openingsaand skielik so kwaad vir mekaar was dat hulle weier om op te tree. Hy moes ook moed inpraat wanneer die gehore weggebly het.
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* to promote Afrikaans theatre
  
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Renamed [[ATKV-Peaat]] in 20**. , is presenting the comedy Ooievaart: Wie's Jou Pappa?
+
* to stimulate appreciation and knowledge as regards play-acting, drama
  
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They use the [[Little Theatre]], also referred to as the [[Pemads Little Theatre]]
+
* to develop a drama library where books and manuscripts could be preserved.
  
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== History (English) ==
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* to help the community with fund-raising
  
 +
* to be of service to the Church and to teach acting in an attempt to raise funding for essential matters.
  
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As far back as 1916, 1920 and 1937, concerts were staged in church halls and were a respected and accepted form of entertainment amongst Afrikaner communities.
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==Honorary roles==
  
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Peaat was founded on March 22, 1951 when Peaat was launched in the sitting room of the parsonage of the PE West congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church in Pickering Street, Newton Park, by people closely connected to the church.  
+
[[Anna Neethling-Pohl]] was the first honorary patron, and Prof. [[Marius­ Swart]] was elected as honorary president (a position he held for 25 years). In February 1999, he was followed by [[Eben de Vos]].
  
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The first chairman was the [[dominee J J “Koos” Fick]], who suggested the motto “Lewe” (Life), while deacon J Crouse was responsible for the design of the original logo which was changed in ????.
+
Marius Swart: In sy jong dae was hy aktief by die teater betrokke hy het selfs as student saam met die legendariese [[André Huguenet]] in ''[[Oedipus Rex]]'' opgetree en saam met [[Rudi Neitz]] gesing. Van hy sowat 30 jaar gelede in Port Elizabeth kom woon het, het sy werk as professor in geskiedenis aan die UPE en sy gesin hy is pa van vyf kinders hom te besig gehou om toneel te speel. Maar as erepresident van Peaat kon hy sy vinger op die pols hou van die toneellewe in die stad.  
  
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[[Julius F I Burmeister]] was the first vice-chairman while attorney [[Willem Delport]], who was the Springbok hooker during the 1951/52 rugby tour of Britain, was the first secretary-treasurer.  
+
``Ek was hoofsaaklik adviseur,'' sê hy. Die advies het wyer gestrek as geldbesteding of die keuse van stukke. ``Toneelspelers, al is hulle amateurs, ly maar aan kunstenaarstemperament,'' sê hy. As buitestaander moes hy dikwels geskille help oplos wanneer toneelspelers kort voor die openingsaand skielik so kwaad vir mekaar was dat hulle weier om op te tree. Hy moes ook moed inpraat wanneer die gehore weggebly het.  
  
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The other first committee members were [[D S Smith]], [[Frikkie Knoetze]], who later contributed years of producing and acting, J R Bekker and, of course, Mrs [[Collie Fick]] - the driving force behind Peaat for the first year before the family left town for Somerset West and The Strand.
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==Venues==
  
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The first two honorary patrons were [[P P “Ou Breytie” Breytenbach]] of the [[Federation of Amateur Theatre in SA]], [[(FATSA)]], Pretoria and [[J C K “Boet” Erasmus]].  
+
At first, PEAAT had to perform in school and church halls. Peaat does not have its own venue for the storage of costumes, decor, props, requisites, tools; and for rehearsals, an office, archives or committee chamber.
  
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Patrons, amongst others, included [[Albertus “Oom Dellie” Delport]], [[Boet Kleu]] and [[Dr Andrew Rabie]].
+
For performances, PEAAT has used the [[Little Theatre]], also referred to as the [[Pemads Little Theatre]]
  
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In 1951 Nasionale Pers and the Rembrandt group were patron companies, 15 people purchased honorary membership for two guineas each and regular membership cost 5 shillings per annum.
+
==Society members==
 +
[[Hennie Oosthuizen]] and [[Okkie Venter]] of the SABC, [[Pearl von Molendorff]], nee Vosloo, [[Schalk Theron]] and [[Sonje Eksteen]], nee Pienaar, played for [[KRUIK]].
  
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The first production was held in the [[City Hall]] on June 14, 1951, and consisted of three one-act plays.  
+
Couples who really supported Peaat were Danie and [[Anna Meyer]], their daughter [[Carina Zeelie]] and her husband [[Willem Zeelie]], Stan and [[Flippie Roberts]], and [[Jannie Britz]] and [[Retha Britz]].  
  
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They were ''[[Die Swakkere Vat]]'', by [[H A Fagan]], ''[[Krom Stompe]]'', by [[D F Malherbe]] and ''[[Hellersee]]'', by [[W A de Klerk]].  
+
[[Ruby Schwartz]] regularly acted for Pemads, but also for many years with Peaat and few will forget her performance in [[Barry Erasmus]]’ production of ''[[Skoonma is 'n Vuurvreter!]]''. She was an ace on stage, finding props, supporting backstage, and dragging her husband [[Bernardt Schwartz]] with her to supply furniture for a Peaat production.  
  
−
All three plays were produced by [[Collie Fick]], who acted as well, along with [[dominee Bernard Leuvennink]], [[Wessel Gericke]], [[Kitty Greeff]] (who later married [[Gert van der Lindel]]), [[dominee Fick]], Willem and [[Kathleen Delport]], [[Frikkie Knoetze]], [[Hester de Beer]] and others.
+
Other personalities include [[Jac Smit]], [[Alet Gerber]], the honourable [[Johan J Engelbrecht]] and many housewives, shop assistants, lecturers, hair stylists, teachers and weekly paids, who supported Peaat as actors, producers, set constructors, ticket sellers, tailors altering costumes, programme designers, secretaries, and panel judges at plays in order to award certain category trophies.  
−
 
−
A special message was written for the opening production by [[P P Breytenbach]] and was reprinted in the programme.  
 
  
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“Ek kan aan geen pasliker vorm van vrye ¬tydbesteding dink as juis die toneel nie. Dit is 'n bedrywigheid wat soveel vir 'n gemeenskap as 'n geheel kan beteken,” he wrote.
+
The Mocke couple contributed greatly to Peaat and some of Johan’s translations were so well received one came back with the impression the play was originally written in Afrikaans.
  
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(Loosely translated: “I can think of no other more fitting use of free time other than the theatre. It is an activity which can mean so much for a community as a whole.”)
+
[[Bruce Mann]] was responsible for lighting Peaat's production, ''[[Die Gode Lag]]'', and two others, [[Adriaan Gerber]] and [[Jacques van Onselen]], who often graced the stage for Pemads, now also acted in Peaat productions.  
  
−
Peaat’s original goals of Peaat were:
+
[[Cecil Steyn]] who often assisted Pemads as a producer, likewise assisted Peaat before he left Port Elizabeth.
  
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(a) To promote Afrikaans theatre, (b) to stimulate appreciation and knowledge as regards play-acting, drama and (c) develop a drama library where books and manuscripts could be preserved.  
+
[[Mari Doubell]], a young girl from Patensie who married [[Johan Mocke]], also acted for Pemads as well as Peaat and played Belinda in ''[[Johnny Belinda]]'' with [[Andre Huguenet]].  
  
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It also states: “om die gemeentes te help met fondsinsameling...;” (“to help the community with fund-raising”) and another one: “om in diens van die Kerk en onderwys toneel te bied en om sodoende geld in te bring vir broodnodige sake.” (“To be of service to the Church and to teach acting in an attempt to raise funding for essential matters.”)
+
[[Gerrit Swanepoel]] really boosted Peaat - he was a live wire, producer, innovater, actor, organiser and preserving Peaat's documents. [[Gerrit Swanepoel]] presented traditional and most modern sketches, prose, poetry in a dramatised form.  
  
−
At first, Peaat had to perform in school and church halls.  
+
These amateurs, often with a limited literary background, nevertheless performed brilliantly with professional producers or experienced professional actresses, and in décor design.
  
−
In Port Elizabeth, there was not a single Afrikaner church hall or church building which did not benefit from theatre in some manner or another.
+
==Incorporation with the [[ATKV]]==
  
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The choice of plays was limited mainly because of their audiences and comedy, chaos, tears, or lightheartedness was the normal way of attracting support.
+
In 2005, the PEAAT committee elected to incorporate with the [[ATKV]] as a branch of that organisation. Since 2005, the organisation has been billed as [[ATKV-tak PEAAT]] or as [[ATKV PEAAT]].
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These were Langenhoven’s ''[[Die Laaste Van Die Takhare]]'', or [[Joseph Kesselring]]'s ''[[Arsenic and Old Lace]]'', translated to ''[[Gif En Oujongnooiens]]'', and Edmund Morris's ''[[The Wooden Dish]]'', translated to ''[[Oupa en Die Houtbord]]''.  
 
  
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Peaat does not have its own venue for the storage of costumes, decor, props, requisites, tools; and for rehearsals, an office, archives or committee chamber.
+
=Productions=
  
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=Contribution to South African Theatre=
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==First production==
 +
The first production was held in the [[City Hall]] on June 14, 1951, and consisted of three one-act plays: ''[[Die Swakkere Vat]]'', by [[H.A. Fagan]], ''[[Krom Stompe]]'', by [[D.F. Malherbe]] and ''[[Hellersee]]'', by [[W.A. de Klerk]].
  
−
May 1960: Peaat celebrated the 50 years of the Union of South Africa, 1910-1960.  
+
All three plays were produced by [[Collie Fick]], who acted as well, along with [[Bernard Leuvennink]], [[Wessel Gericke]], [[Kitty Greeff]] (who later married [[Gert van der Lindel]]), [[dominee Fick]], [[Willem Delport]], [[Kathleen Delport]], [[Frikkie Knoetze]], [[Hester de Beer]] and others.
 +
 +
A special message was written for the opening production by [[P.P.B. Breytenbach]] and was reprinted in the programme:
 +
“Ek kan aan geen pasliker vorm van vrye ¬tydbesteding dink as juis die toneel nie. Dit is 'n bedrywigheid wat soveel vir 'n gemeenskap as 'n geheel kan beteken,” he wrote. (Loosely translated: “I can think of no other more fitting use of free time other than the theatre. It is an activity which can mean so much for a community as a whole.”)
  
−
August 1964: The first Afrikaans Shakespearean play in Port Elizabeth, ''[[The Merchant of Venice]]'' was translated as ''[[Koopman van Venesie]]'', by [[D F Malherbe]] to celebrate Shakespeare's 400th birthday. Shakespeare was born in 1564.
+
==Other productions (1961-2004)==
  
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1966: [[KRUIK]]’s [[Pietro Nolte]] with Peaat had [[Paul Malherbe]] in town to produce shows.
+
The choice of plays was limited mainly because of their audiences and comedy, chaos, tears, or lightheartedness was the normal way of attracting support. These were Langenhoven’s ''[[Die Laaste van die Takhare]]'', or Joseph Kesselring's ''[[Arsenic and Old Lace]]'', translated as ''[[ Gif en Oujongnooiens]]'', and Edmund Morris's ''[[The Wooden Dish]]'', translated as ''[[Oupa en die Houtbord]]''.  
  
−
1966: [[Helen Mann]] was cast to play the leading lady in Peaat's Afrikaans version of [[Hugo Klaus]]’ ''[[Bruid In Die More]]'', but she fell seriously sick and was unable to perform.  
+
1960: PEAAT celebrated the 50 years of the Union of South Africa, 1910-1960.  
  
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On opening night of ''[[Bruid In Die More]]'', there was a power failure and the lights went out in the venue, the Technical High School in First Avenue, Newton Park. They stayed off for 50 minutes.
+
1964: The first Afrikaans translation of a Shakespearean play in Port Elizabeth, [[D.F. Malherbe]]'s translation ''[[Die Koopman van Venesië]]''  
  
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The play, however, eventually went on and [[David Rex]], a theatre critic, wrote: "Every reasonably bilingual theatre fan should see ''[[Bruid In Die More]]''."
+
1966: ''[[Bruid in die Môre]]''
  
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Individual Peaat players as well the theatre body, were regularly involved in special Easter or Christmas programmes, and during celebrations on various public holidays.  
+
1970: PEAAT participated in the 150th celebrations commemorating the landing of the 1820 Settlers.  
  
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August 1968: For the first time a Peaat production was staged in the Opera House and a media critic said “The two Peaat comedies were delightful. Production is skilled and elegantly tasteful. The standard is completely worthy of the Opera House. How good too, that the . . . English theatre groups have helped ''with costuming and backstage know-how.”
+
1970: For the first time Peaat staged a production in the [[Ford Little Theatre]] with: ''[[Lokval vir ‘n Eensame Man]]''.  
  
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July 22-29, 1989: Peaat, in conjumction with Capap (Kruik) presented the French playwright [[Georges Feydeau]]'s three-act play [[La Puce dans L'Orielle]] translated by into Afrikaans by [[Nerina Ferreira]] as [[Hond Se Gedagtes]]" It was produced by [[Gerrit Swanepoel]] in the [[Port Elizabeth Opera House]]. Starring[[Sarel Barneard]] as Camille Chandebise, [[Janine Grobler]] as Antoinette Plucheux, [[Anthony Swart]] as Etienne Plucheux, [[Thinus du Preez]] as Dr Finache, [[Elzabe Kritzinger]] as Lucienne Hominedes de Histangua, [[Lizet du Plessis]] as Raymonde Chandebise, [[Johan Theart]] as Victor Emmanuel Chandebise, [[Hugo Loubser]] as Romain Tournel, [[Christie Gericke]] as Carlos Hominedes de  Histangua, [[Madele Jacobs]] as Michelle, [[Merinda Krause]] as Eugenie, [[Trevor Hicks]] as Augustin Ferraillan, [[Natania Kleinhans]] as Olympe, [[Attie Louw]] as Baptistin, [[Eben Nel]] as Herr Schwarz and [[Johan Theart]] as Poche.
+
1975: ''[[Dis Koud Hier]]''.  
  
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1970: Peaat partook in the 150th celebrations commemorating the landing of the 1820 Settlers.  
+
1982: PEAAT came up with an old fashioned evening of debating, speeches and individual items.  
  
−
Various Peaat productions were entered in the [[Pemads - Salters Awards]] - and did very well while individual Peaat players made names for themselves.
+
1983: ''[[Die Goue Kring]]'', directed by [[Gerrit Swanepoel]], with [[Anna Neethling-Pohl]]  
  
−
[[Hennie Oosthuizen]] and [[Okkie Venter]] of the SABC, [[Pearl von Molendorff]], nee Vosloo, [[Schalk Theron]] and [[Sonje Eksteen]], nee Pienaar, played for [[KRUIK]].
+
1984:  [[Gerrit Swanepoel]] presented his sophisticated, hilarious, thoughtful revue ''[[Kottelions II]]'' which attracted large audiences.  
  
−
Couples who really supported Peaat were Danie and [[Anna Meyer]], their daughter [[Carina Zeelie]] and her husband [[Willem Zeelie]], Stan and [[Flippie Roberts]], and [[Jannie Britz]] and [[Retha Britz]].  
+
1985: Almost the entire Afrikaans and English theatre fraternity participated in ''[[Our Town]]/[[Ons Dorp]]''.
  
−
[[Ruby Schwartz]] regularly acted for Pemads, but also for many years with Peaat and few will forget her performance in [[Barry Erasmus]]’ production of ''[[Skoonma Is 'n Vuurvreter]]''. She was an ace on stage, finding props, supporting backstage, and dragging her husband [[Bernardt Schwartz]] with her to supply furniture for a Peaat production.
+
1986: ''[[Moeders en Dogters]]'', directed by [[Christine Dreyer]]; ''[[Die Drie Van Der Walts]]''  
  
−
Other personalities include [[Jac Smit]], [[Alet Gerber]], the honourable [[Johan J Engelbrecht]] and many housewives, shop assistants, lecturers, hair stylists, teachers and weekly paids, who supported Peaat as actors, producers, set constructors, ticket sellers, tailors altering costumes, programme designers, secretaries, and panel judges at plays in order to award certain category trophies.  
+
1986: Peaat performed in ''[[The Barn]]'' for the first time - with [[Gerrit Swanepoel]]'s candle lit, classy, cabaret, and including a glass of wine.
  
−
These amateurs, often with a limited literary background, nevertheless performed brilliantly with professional producers or experienced professional actresses, and in décor design.
+
1989: ''[[Hond se Gedagte]]'', directed by [[Gerrit Swanepoel]]
  
−
Peaat has close relations with the [[Port Elizabethse Afrikaanse Kultuurraad]], the [[Department of Culture and Education]] and with all the English-speaking theatre groups.
+
1990: ''[[Equus]]''
  
−
The organisation also had close ties with Dutch people like the late [[Dien Verstappen]] and [[Rudi Kindermans]].
+
2002: ''[[Vettie, Vettie]]''
  
−
Peaat productions were regularly performed in Kareedouw, Bellville, Humansdorp, Jansenville and Gelvandale.  
+
Other productions staged over the years (dates unknown) include works by [[P.G. du Plessis]] such as ''[[Plaston: DNS-Kind]]'', ''[['n Seder Val in Waterkloof]]'', ''[[Siener in die Suburbs]]''; [[Adam Small]]'s ''[[Kanna hy kô hystoe]]''; [[Andre P. Brink]] and his works; [[Bartho Smit]]'s ''[[Putsonderwater]]''.
  
−
March 1970: For the first time Peaat staged a production in the [[Ford Little Theatre]] with: ''[[Lokval Vir 'n Eensame Man]]''.
+
== Productions as ATKV-tak PEAAT (2005-)==
  
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1975: For the first time Peaat utilised the [[Savoy Club]] in Perridgevale with ''[[Dis Koud Hier]]''.
+
2011: ''[[Die Proponentjie]]'' (directed by [[Marlene Thomasse-Pieterse]])
  
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In 1982 Peaat came up with an old fashioned evening of debating, speeches and individual items.
+
2102: ''[[Die Kongres]]'' (directed by [[Marelize Barnard]])
  
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In 1983 the grande dame [[Anna Neethling-Pohl]] came to Port Elizabeth as a drawcard and leading lady with ''[[Die Goue Kring]]''.
+
2013: ''[[Mamma ek wil 'n man hê]]'' (written and directed by [[Marelize Barnard]])
  
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[[Uys Krige]], the perplexed author, was also present.
+
2014: ''[[Ooievaart: Wie's Jou Pappa?]]'' (written and directed by [[Marelize Barnard]])
  
−
[[Gerrit Swanepoel]] really boosted Peaat - he was a live wire, producer, innovater, actor, organiser and preserving Peaat's documents.
+
2022: ''[[My Boetie se Sussie se Ou]]''
  
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Nevertheless, [[Gerrit Swanepoel]] presented traditional and most modern sketches, prose, poetry in a dramatised form.
+
2023: ''[[Die Buite-egtelike Oupa]]''
 +
 +
2024: ''[[Die Kaskenades van Kees Kieswetter (die dooie ou donner)]]'' (directed by [[Cobus Lombard]]); ''[[Onkruid Vergaan Nie]]'' (directed by [[Frans van der Merwe]])
  
−
June 1984:  [[Gerrit Swanepoel]] presented his sophisticated, hilarious, thoughtful revue ''[[Kottelions II]]'' which attracted large audiences.
+
== Sources ==
  
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1985: Almost the entire Afrikaans and English theatre fraternity participated in ''[[Our Town / Ons Dorp]]''.
+
PEAAT Vyftig JAAR TONEEL 1951 - 2001 theatre programme.
  
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March 1986: When the renovated [[Opera House]] was re-opened, a very modernised, but still old-style slapstick production, ''[[Die Drie Van der Walts]]'', was staged.
+
Speech by Prof Marius Swart, ''Looking Back'', September 1991.
−
 
 
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1986: [[Gerrit Swanepoel]] presented genuine cabaret for Peaat.
 
−
 
 
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1986: [[Christine Dreyer]], a long standing Peaat member, staged her first production ''[[Moeders en Dogters]]'', in [[The Barn]], and was the first producer to utilise the talents of a woman of colour in a Peaat play.
 
−
 
 
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1986 Peaat performed in ''[[The Barn]]'' for the first time - with [[Gerrit Swanepoel]]'s candle lit, classy, cabaret, and including a glass of wine.
 
  
−
A few of the organisations which have benefitted from Peaat fundraising include cultural bodies, schools, cultural organisations, women’s organisations, church congregations, the [[Afrikaanse Christelike Vrouevereniging]], the [[Afrikaanse Opvoedingsfonds]], the [[Christelike Maatskaplike Raad]], the [[Piet Retief Monument]], the [[Rapportryers]], the [[Red Cross]], the [[Reddingsdaadbond]], [[St Johns Ambulance]], the [[UPE Donors' Foundation]] and the [[Voortrekkers]].  
+
PEAAT Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/atkv.peaat/about
  
−
[[Bruce Mann]] was responsible for lighting Peaat's production, ''[[Die Gode Lag]]'', and two others, [[Adriaan Gerber]] and [[Jacques van Onselen]], who often graced the stage for Pemads, now also acted in Peaat productions.  
+
https://atkv.org.za/nuus/posts/atkv-tak-peaat-vier-sewe-dekades-op-die-planke/
  
−
[[Cecil Steyn]] who often assisted Pemads as a producer, likewise assisted Peaat before he left Port Elizabeth.  
+
https://atkv.org.za/nuus/posts/atkv-tak-peaat-gaan-gehoor-laat-proes/
  
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[[Mari Doubell]], a young girl from Patensie who married [[Johan Mocke]], also acted for Pemads as well as Peaat and played Belinda in ''[[Johnny Belinda]]'' with [[Andre Huguenet]].  
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https://issuu.com/pe-express/docs/pe_express_10-09-2014
  
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The Mocke couple contributed greatly to Peaat and some of Johan’s translations were so well received one came back with the impression the play was originally written in Afrikaans.
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'Auditions for ATKV/Peaat farce Die Kongres'. 2102. Media Update.
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1990/91: Three Peaat actresses, [[Christine Dreyer]], [[Anna Barnard]] and [[Marlein Pieterse]], starred in the film version of [[Athol Fugard]]'s ''[[Road to Mecca]]'', with [[Kathy Bates]].
 
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Peaat still does not know what the mainly Afrikaans audiences of Port Elizabeth enjoy the most and they have tried every possible variation from vaudeville, translations, farce and older Afrikaans plays to the very modern works by [[R G du Plessis]] such as ''[[PLASTON: DNS-Kind]]'', ''[['n Seder Val In Waterkloof]]'', ''[[Siener In Die Suburbs]]'', or [[Adam Small]]'s: ''[[Kanna Hy Ko Hystoe]]'', [[Andre P Brink]] and his works, or [[Bartho Smit]]'s ''[[Putsonderwater]]''.
 
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1990: Peaat had [[Noel Roos]] of [[KRUIK]] here for Peaat's brilliant production of ''[[Equus]]''.
 
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== Sources ==
 
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PEAAT Vyftig JAAR TONEEL 1951 - 2001 theatre programme.
 
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Speech by Prof Marius Swart, ''Looking Back'', September 1991.
 
  
 
== For more information ==
 
== For more information ==
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For more information, see [[Amateur Theatre in South Africa]].
  
 
== Return to ==
 
== Return to ==

Latest revision as of 16:43, 18 October 2024

The Port Elizabethse Afrikaanse Amateur Toneelvereniging ("Port Elizabeth Afrikaans Amateur Theatrical Society") (acronym: PEAAT or Peaat) is an Afrikaans amateur theatre company in Port Elizabeth.

Renamed ATKV-tak PEAAT in 2005. Also referred to as ATKV PEAAT.

History

PEAAT was founded on March 22, 1951 in the sitting room of the parsonage of the PE West congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church in Pickering Street, Newton Park, by people closely connected to the church. The first chairman was the dominee J. J. “Koos” Fick, who suggested the motto “Lewe” (Life), while deacon J. Crous was responsible for the design of the original logo (which was subsequently changed). Julius F. I. Burmeister was the first vice-chairman while attorney Willem Delport was the first secretary-treasurer. The other first committee members were D. S. Smith, Frikkie Knoetze (who later contributed years of producing and acting), J. R. Bekker and, of course, Mrs Collie Fick.

Various PEAAT productions were entered in the Pemads - Salters Awards - and did very well while individual PEAAT players made names for themselves. Over the years, PEAAT has had close relations with the Port Elizabethse Afrikaanse Kultuurraad, the Department of Culture and Education and with all the local English-speaking theatre groups. The organisation also had close ties with Dutch people like the late Dien Verstappen and Rudi Kindermans. PEAAT productions were regularly performed in Kareedouw, Bellville, Humansdorp, Jansenville and Gelvandale. Individual PEAAT players, as well the oragnisation, were regularly involved in special Easter or Christmas programmes, and during celebrations on various public holidays.

A few of the organisations which have benefitted from PEAAT fundraising over the years include cultural bodies, schools, cultural organisations, women’s organisations, church congregations, the Afrikaanse Christelike Vrouevereniging, the Afrikaanse Opvoedingsfonds, the Christelike Maatskaplike Raad, the Piet Retief Monument, the Rapportryers, the Red Cross, the Reddingsdaadbond, St Johns Ambulance, the UPE Donors' Foundation and the Voortrekkers.

Patrons

The first two honorary patrons were P.P.B. Breytenbach of the Federation of Amateur Theatrical Societies of South Africa, (FATSSA), Pretoria and J. C. K. “Boet” Erasmus. Patrons, amongst others, included Albertus “Oom Dellie” Delport, Boet Kleu and Dr Andrew Rabie. In 1951, Nasionale Pers and the Rembrandt group were patron companies, while 15 people purchased honorary membership for two guineas each and regular membership cost 5 shillings per annum.

PEAAT's founding goals

The founding goals were:

  • to promote Afrikaans theatre
  • to stimulate appreciation and knowledge as regards play-acting, drama
  • to develop a drama library where books and manuscripts could be preserved.
  • to help the community with fund-raising
  • to be of service to the Church and to teach acting in an attempt to raise funding for essential matters.

Honorary roles

Anna Neethling-Pohl was the first honorary patron, and Prof. Marius­ Swart was elected as honorary president (a position he held for 25 years). In February 1999, he was followed by Eben de Vos.

Marius Swart: In sy jong dae was hy aktief by die teater betrokke hy het selfs as student saam met die legendariese André Huguenet in Oedipus Rex opgetree en saam met Rudi Neitz gesing. Van hy sowat 30 jaar gelede in Port Elizabeth kom woon het, het sy werk as professor in geskiedenis aan die UPE en sy gesin hy is pa van vyf kinders hom te besig gehou om toneel te speel. Maar as erepresident van Peaat kon hy sy vinger op die pols hou van die toneellewe in die stad.

``Ek was hoofsaaklik adviseur, sê hy. Die advies het wyer gestrek as geldbesteding of die keuse van stukke. ``Toneelspelers, al is hulle amateurs, ly maar aan kunstenaarstemperament, sê hy. As buitestaander moes hy dikwels geskille help oplos wanneer toneelspelers kort voor die openingsaand skielik so kwaad vir mekaar was dat hulle weier om op te tree. Hy moes ook moed inpraat wanneer die gehore weggebly het.

Venues

At first, PEAAT had to perform in school and church halls. Peaat does not have its own venue for the storage of costumes, decor, props, requisites, tools; and for rehearsals, an office, archives or committee chamber.

For performances, PEAAT has used the Little Theatre, also referred to as the Pemads Little Theatre

Society members

Hennie Oosthuizen and Okkie Venter of the SABC, Pearl von Molendorff, nee Vosloo, Schalk Theron and Sonje Eksteen, nee Pienaar, played for KRUIK.

Couples who really supported Peaat were Danie and Anna Meyer, their daughter Carina Zeelie and her husband Willem Zeelie, Stan and Flippie Roberts, and Jannie Britz and Retha Britz.

Ruby Schwartz regularly acted for Pemads, but also for many years with Peaat and few will forget her performance in Barry Erasmus’ production of Skoonma is 'n Vuurvreter!. She was an ace on stage, finding props, supporting backstage, and dragging her husband Bernardt Schwartz with her to supply furniture for a Peaat production.

Other personalities include Jac Smit, Alet Gerber, the honourable Johan J Engelbrecht and many housewives, shop assistants, lecturers, hair stylists, teachers and weekly paids, who supported Peaat as actors, producers, set constructors, ticket sellers, tailors altering costumes, programme designers, secretaries, and panel judges at plays in order to award certain category trophies.

The Mocke couple contributed greatly to Peaat and some of Johan’s translations were so well received one came back with the impression the play was originally written in Afrikaans.

Bruce Mann was responsible for lighting Peaat's production, Die Gode Lag, and two others, Adriaan Gerber and Jacques van Onselen, who often graced the stage for Pemads, now also acted in Peaat productions.

Cecil Steyn who often assisted Pemads as a producer, likewise assisted Peaat before he left Port Elizabeth.

Mari Doubell, a young girl from Patensie who married Johan Mocke, also acted for Pemads as well as Peaat and played Belinda in Johnny Belinda with Andre Huguenet.

Gerrit Swanepoel really boosted Peaat - he was a live wire, producer, innovater, actor, organiser and preserving Peaat's documents. Gerrit Swanepoel presented traditional and most modern sketches, prose, poetry in a dramatised form.

These amateurs, often with a limited literary background, nevertheless performed brilliantly with professional producers or experienced professional actresses, and in décor design.

Incorporation with the ATKV

In 2005, the PEAAT committee elected to incorporate with the ATKV as a branch of that organisation. Since 2005, the organisation has been billed as ATKV-tak PEAAT or as ATKV PEAAT.

Productions

First production

The first production was held in the City Hall on June 14, 1951, and consisted of three one-act plays: Die Swakkere Vat, by H.A. Fagan, Krom Stompe, by D.F. Malherbe and Hellersee, by W.A. de Klerk.

All three plays were produced by Collie Fick, who acted as well, along with Bernard Leuvennink, Wessel Gericke, Kitty Greeff (who later married Gert van der Lindel), dominee Fick, Willem Delport, Kathleen Delport, Frikkie Knoetze, Hester de Beer and others.

A special message was written for the opening production by P.P.B. Breytenbach and was reprinted in the programme: “Ek kan aan geen pasliker vorm van vrye ¬tydbesteding dink as juis die toneel nie. Dit is 'n bedrywigheid wat soveel vir 'n gemeenskap as 'n geheel kan beteken,” he wrote. (Loosely translated: “I can think of no other more fitting use of free time other than the theatre. It is an activity which can mean so much for a community as a whole.”)

Other productions (1961-2004)

The choice of plays was limited mainly because of their audiences and comedy, chaos, tears, or lightheartedness was the normal way of attracting support. These were Langenhoven’s Die Laaste van die Takhare, or Joseph Kesselring's Arsenic and Old Lace, translated as Gif en Oujongnooiens, and Edmund Morris's The Wooden Dish, translated as Oupa en die Houtbord.

1960: PEAAT celebrated the 50 years of the Union of South Africa, 1910-1960.

1964: The first Afrikaans translation of a Shakespearean play in Port Elizabeth, D.F. Malherbe's translation Die Koopman van Venesië

1966: Bruid in die Môre

1970: PEAAT participated in the 150th celebrations commemorating the landing of the 1820 Settlers.

1970: For the first time Peaat staged a production in the Ford Little Theatre with: Lokval vir ‘n Eensame Man.

1975: Dis Koud Hier.

1982: PEAAT came up with an old fashioned evening of debating, speeches and individual items.

1983: Die Goue Kring, directed by Gerrit Swanepoel, with Anna Neethling-Pohl

1984: Gerrit Swanepoel presented his sophisticated, hilarious, thoughtful revue Kottelions II which attracted large audiences.

1985: Almost the entire Afrikaans and English theatre fraternity participated in Our Town/Ons Dorp.

1986: Moeders en Dogters, directed by Christine Dreyer; Die Drie Van Der Walts

1986: Peaat performed in The Barn for the first time - with Gerrit Swanepoel's candle lit, classy, cabaret, and including a glass of wine.

1989: Hond se Gedagte, directed by Gerrit Swanepoel

1990: Equus

2002: Vettie, Vettie

Other productions staged over the years (dates unknown) include works by P.G. du Plessis such as Plaston: DNS-Kind, 'n Seder Val in Waterkloof, Siener in die Suburbs; Adam Small's Kanna hy kô hystoe; Andre P. Brink and his works; Bartho Smit's Putsonderwater.

Productions as ATKV-tak PEAAT (2005-)

2011: Die Proponentjie (directed by Marlene Thomasse-Pieterse)

2102: Die Kongres (directed by Marelize Barnard)

2013: Mamma ek wil 'n man hê (written and directed by Marelize Barnard)

2014: Ooievaart: Wie's Jou Pappa? (written and directed by Marelize Barnard)

2022: My Boetie se Sussie se Ou

2023: Die Buite-egtelike Oupa

2024: Die Kaskenades van Kees Kieswetter (die dooie ou donner) (directed by Cobus Lombard); Onkruid Vergaan Nie (directed by Frans van der Merwe)

Sources

PEAAT Vyftig JAAR TONEEL 1951 - 2001 theatre programme.

Speech by Prof Marius Swart, Looking Back, September 1991.

PEAAT Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/atkv.peaat/about

https://atkv.org.za/nuus/posts/atkv-tak-peaat-vier-sewe-dekades-op-die-planke/

https://atkv.org.za/nuus/posts/atkv-tak-peaat-gaan-gehoor-laat-proes/

https://issuu.com/pe-express/docs/pe_express_10-09-2014

'Auditions for ATKV/Peaat farce Die Kongres'. 2102. Media Update.

For more information

For more information, see Amateur Theatre in South Africa.

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Return to South African Theatre Venues, Companies, Societies, etc

Return to The ESAT Entries

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