Bennie Gerber

There are two men named Bennie Gerber who very active in theatre in Port Elizabeth over the years.

Bennie Gerber (fl. 1960s and 1970s)

Started his carrer at the age of 17 and became a dancer, choreographer, singer, actor, director and set designer in Port Elizabeth's amateur theatre.

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

Directed and choreographed The Boy Friend, Salad Days.

1968: Directed, choreographed and designed the set for Irma la Douce

6 - 19 July, 1968: Played the role of Charlie in Brigadoon for the Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society at the Port Elizabeth Opera House, directed by Helen Mann with musical director Peter K Woolston.

1974: Choreographer for the Collegiate School for Girls Centenary production of The Gondoliers.

Sources

1974:The Gondoliers theatre programme

Bennie Gerber (1985-)

Biography

Bennie Gerber was born in 1985 on a farm outside Cradock and later moved to Port Elizabeth. After studying at Stageworld, Trinity College, London and Nelson Mandela University, he now holds degrees in the performing arts, musical theatre and public relations, marketing and linguistics. A professional marketing director, he is actively involved in local Port Elizabeth theatre as actor, choreographer and theatre marketing.

Besides doing freelance choreography, he also works in public relations and is the marketing manager for a premium restro-bar.

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

Bennie danced and choreographed at Sun International for five years and having studied under Marlene Pieterse, he also works as a part-time tutor at Nelson Mandela University.

Productions performedd in, directed and/or choreographed include:

2005: "Peter" in Romeo and Juliet

2006: "Emcee" in Cabaret and "Rooster" in Annie.

2007: Footloose, directed by Robin Williams.

Thoroughly Modern Millie and various other shows for Gilbert and Sullivan.

February 24 – March 5, 2016: The Tempest. Starred as Malvolio, a prim and proper head servant in Lady Olivia's household. Directed by Helen Flax.

2019: The PE Gilbert and Sullivan Society production of Dancing Down Broadway ( director and choreographer )

Sources

https://ivormarkman0.wixsite.com/mannville/the-tempest

https://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=45235

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