Pieter Geldenhuys

Pieter Geldenhuys (1918-) was an actor and dancer.

Biography

Born Pieter Burger Geldenhuys on 13 October 13, 1918 in Pretoria, Pieter Geldenhuys was born on October 13, 1918 in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa as Pieter Burger Geldenhuys.

He studied ballet with Dulcie Howes and did a licenciate with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London, beginning his career in theatre in Cape Town in 1935 at the age of 17, inter alia performing at the Cape Town Opera House, his first role being in His first role was Paul Rubens's musical comedy Tonight's the Night in 1935.

In 1940 he joined the André Huguenet company and subsequently toured the Union with the first Gwen ffrangçon-Davies / Marda Vanne Company company. Joined the UDF Entertainment Unit during World War II, touring Egypt, Italy and Austria, then spent three years in Scotland followed by some years working on the West End.

In South Africa he subsequently worked for NTO and Wena Naudé's company, and was for a considerable period under contract to CAPAB, acting in both English and Afrikaans. He also worked for the other councils, i.e. PACOFS, PACT and NAPAC, on occasion.

He married the actress Jane Potgieter in the early 1960s and died on 16 February 16, 1980, in Cape Town.

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

As performer

Stage work

He had roles in Point of Departure 1952, Volpone (NTO 1952), Twelfth Night (NTO 1953), an Afrikaans production of The Happiest Days of Your Life (NTO 1955), , Tobias and the Angel (NTO 1955), Verkiesing Sonder Politiek! (NTO 1955), Bitter Einde (NTO 1956-7), Germanicus (NTO 1958), The School for Scandal (NTO 1958), Die Jakkalsstreke van Scapino (NTO 1958), 'n Bruid in die Môre (NTO 1959), Sponono (1963), Die Hemelbed (CAPAB 1963), Twaalfde Nag (PACT 1964), Modes van Agter, Skuld van Voor (PACT 1964), Twelve Angry Men (Alexander Theatre 1965), Played “the father” in Strinberg’s Die Vader (CAPAB 1969), Die Koning Sterf (CAPAB 1969), 'n Skip is Ons Beloof (CAPAB 1969), “Titus” in an Afrikaans production of Titus Andronicus (CAPAB 1970), The Emperor (PACOFS 1970), “Caliban” in Die Storm and “Dr. Finache” in Feydeau’s Hond se Gedagte (CAPAB 1971), Die Twee Laksmanne (CAPAB 1971), Oom Wanja (CAPAB 1972), The Tempest (Maynardville January 1973), Die Huwelik van Mnr. Mississippi (CAPAB 1973), Meneer Puntila en sy Kneg Matti (CAPAB 1973), Die Ryk Weduwee (CAPAB 1974 and 1976), The Cherry Orchard (Baxter Company 1978).

Film work

He had roles in Nooi van my Hart (1959), Onwettige Huwelik (1970), Die Spook van Donkergat (1973) and Bait (1974)

Sources

Die Koning Sterf theatre programme, 1969.

The Tempest theatre programme, Maynardville January 1973.

SACD 1974.

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