Stanley Nathan

Stanley Nathan, an actor and producer was more commonly known by his nickname, "Solly". He was born in Johannesburg on July 9, 1911, and died, aged 63, in Port Elizabeth on September 8, 1974. He started his working career in 1929 as a window dresser and interior decorator for OK Bazaars and Woolworths. He was also a talented painter, sculptor and wood carver. Although he was based in Johannesburg he travelled around the country doing window dressing. He met his future wife, Beryl Morris, in Port Elizabeth and they were married in 1936. He produced a show in Johannesburg called Cinema Jazz and in 1952, with Maurice D Berman, produced a musical, On the Jack at the Port Elizabeth City Hall for the South African Bowling Tournament. In 1962 he collaborated with Myer Kaplan, a pharmacist from Uitenhage, and Norman Ntshinga, a local black actor, to produce the first all African musical in Port Elizabeth, Shanty Town Revue. Nathan was a member of the Port Elizabeth Film Group and produced a film called The Tramps Holiday in which he played the lead role. The movie was directed by Buck Taylor. Nathan assisted the Carter-Summerton Dance Studio with various shows.

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Interview with Brenda Berger, Nathan's daughter.