J.C. Combrink

J.C. Combrink (1837?-19**) was a prominent businessman, director amateur actor and leading figure in Dutch and English theatre in Cape Town during the second half of the 19th century. Also referred to as J. Combrink or Johan Combrink in some sources.

A printer and compositor by trade and renowned for his swimming exploits and courage, he had his home was at Oudekraal and he built the road from Camps Bay to there, and became known as "the father of Camps Bay".

A staunch supporter of all kinds of theatre, he is mentioned by Jill Fletcher and F.C.L. Bosman as an instigator of theatrical events, a leader of companies and a director of both Dutch and English works. He gradually focussed on Dutch and Afrikaans theatre, becoming the leading figure ("Bestuurder" i.e. "Manager") of Door Yver Bloeit de Kunst (originally founded in 1849) in 1865, and particularly influential after 1868, when he and Melt Brink dominated Dutch and Afrikaans theatre.

He is first mentioned as a a performer when he was 17 years old, when he participated in Door Yver Bloeit de Kunst's series of "Balaclava Benefit Performances" for soldiers participating in the Crimean war of 1855. He is also mentioned by Ludwig Binge (1969, p. 11) as a useful actor for Aurora, playing the lead opposite Melt Brink in the farce Niet of Graag ("Not at all or gladly") 5 September 1867 and repeated the role 3 October 1867 (billed as J. Combrink).

Sources

Ludwig Binge, 1969: pp. 9, 11

F.C.L. Bosman, 1928. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel I: 1652-1855. Pretoria: J.H. de Bussy. [1]: pp. 57, 253, 442, 463, 492, 511

Jill Fletcher, 1994: pp. 77, 105-6, 109.

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