Don Juan onder die Boere

Don Juan onder die Boere ("Don Juan among the Farmers/Boers") is a political satire by Bartho Smit.

The original text

Contrary to what might be expected from the title, the play was not based on the Molière's well-known play (see Don Juan), but was actually inspired by a German newspaper article on "Der gekidnappte Don Juan" ("The kidnapped Don Juan") about a roué in a small Neapolitan town, who had been kidnapped by four women and taken to an "engagement party" where he was forced to become engaged.

An original comic satire, set in the time of the Transvaal Republic, the play uses the Don Juan persona and legend as a frame to comment on the social mores of the (rural) Afrikaner.

Originally scheduled for performance by National Theatre Organisation (NTO) in 1959, but withdrawn as being "inappropriate". Finally performed by Pro Arte in 1960.

The text published by H&R (Human & Rousseau) in 1960.

Translations and adaptations

Charles J. Fourie in turn based his Don Gxubane Onner die Boere on this play.

Performance history in South Africa

1959: Scheduled for performance by the National Theatre Organization, it was cancelled because of the castration scene.

1960: Performed by the student society Pro Arte at the University of Pretoria, directed by Bartho Smit himself, with a cast that included later actress Marga van Rooy and later playwright Chris Barnard (besides acting, he was also tour-leader and responsible for publicity, transport and sound effects). The play initially went on tour in the rural areas, including the towns of Rustenburg, Potchefstroom and Nelspruit. Then it was again almost banned by the management of the Aula theatre on the University of Pretoria campus, but after hurried negotiations and compromises on both sides, was performed three nights.

1970: Performed in the H.B. Thom Theatre by students of the Stellenbosch University Drama Department under direction of Theuns Meyer starring Johann van Heerden, Sharon Montgomery, Theuns Meyer, Jan Engelen, Laurika Rauch, Marietha Snyman, and others.

1985: Produced by PACOFS in the Sand du Plessis Theatre, Bloemfontein. Directed by Francois Swart, with Wilna Snyman, Pierre van Pletzen, Arnold Vosloo, Johan Malherbe, Jacques Loots, Marchelle Verwey, Hélène Truter. Sets by Johan Badenhorst, costumes by James Parker.

1986: Presented by TRUK Toneel, directed by Francois Swart at the State Theatre, Pretoria, with Ben Kruger, Wilna Snyman, Lida Meiring, Annette Engelbrecht, Amor Tredoux, Christine Basson, Kim de Beer, Hélène Truter, Jacques Loots, Pieter Brand, Johan Malherbe, Tjaart Potgieter, Francois Viljoen, Jakes Jacobs, Reg Sutton, Monique Aggenbach and Debbie Barnard. Set design by Chris van den Berg, lighting design by Paul Ramboukian, costume design by James Parker.

Sources

Barnard, Chris (compiler). 1984. Bartho. By geleentheid van sy sestigste verjaardag. Johannesburg: Perskor.

Malan, Charles. 1984. "Inleiding tot Bartho Smit se Werk" In: Sestigers in Woord en Beeld: Bartho Smit. Johannesburg: Perskor: pp.86-111.

PACOFS Drama 25 Years, 1963-1988

TRUK Theatre programme, 1986.

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