By die Tande Dokter

By die Tande Dokter ("At the Dentist" - literally "at the tooth doctor") is a Dutch/ Afrikaans one-act comedy ("blijspel") by Melt Brink (1842–1925).

Also written Bij die Tande-dokter or Bij die Tande Dokter

The original text

First performed by Aurora in 1905(?), it originally published as Bij die Tande-dokter by De Bussy (Pretoria) and HAUM (Cape Town) in 1905, and then reprinted in 1911, 1917, 1921. Also published as part of the compilation Ons Hou Konsert by Robert Mohr by DALRO in 1973.

Translations and adaptations

The play was apparently adapted, translated and/or performed, under a variety of titles by various societies over the years. E.g as Oom Piet met syn Tand Pyn by "Domkrag", published in De Koerier, Beaufort West, 27 November 1910; as Tandpyn by the CJV Nooitgedacht-Suid in 1914; and as In die Stoel van die Tandarts, translated into Afrikaans by "Ware Afrikaner".

The play has also formed part of some versions of Robert Mohr's revue-compilation Ons Hou Konsert (1967) and the various later versions of it.

Performances

1905: By die Tande Dokter first Performed by Aurora in Cape Town

1910 Oom Piet met syn Tand Pyn perhaps performed in Beaufort West (?)

1914: Tandpyn performed by the CJV Nooitgedacht-Suid

1967: Bij die Tande-dokter performed as part of Ons Hou Konsert (Melt Brink/Robert Mohr) by CAPAB in the Hofmeyr Theatre on 13 October. The cast included Nerina Ferreira, who was nominated for the Three Leaf award as the best female lead.

1968: Bij die Tande-dokter performed as part of Ons Hou Konsert (Melt Brink/Robert Mohr) by CAPAB on tour

197*: Bij die Tande-dokter performed as part of Ons Hou Konsert (Melt Brink/Robert Mohr) by PACT in the Breytenbach Theatre, Pretoria

1981: Bij die Tande-dokter performed as part of Ons Hou Konsert (Melt Brink/Robert Mohr) by SWAPAC in Windhoek.

1989: Bij die Tande-dokter performed as part of Ons Hou Konsert (Melt Brink/Robert Mohr) by the Universiteitsteater Stellenbosch in the H.B. Thom Theatre