Dorothy Sutherland

Dorothy Sutherland was born in England (19**-19**) and was a well-known theatre actor/teacher in Port Elizabeth.

Biography

Dorothy Sutherland's family were prominent in the performing arts. Her lifelong dedication to the theatre began with her first production at the age of ten years. She was an outstanding dramatic scholar and after completing her education, played for British repertory companies for some years. She graduated with a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and turned her attention to teaching. During the Second World War, she and her husband were members of a professional concert party and also directed productions for some four years before she and her husband, a leading professional actor, emigrated to South Africa in 1949. She produced many plays in Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth as well as student showcase pro¬ductions at the Senior Collegiate school where she taught for many years. She ran a speech and dance academy for young children and teenagers at her house at 60 Park Drive, Port Elizabeth. She was a founder member of the Theatre Appreciation Group of which she was a Life Member. She was a life Patron of the Port Elizabeth Shakespearean Festival.

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

On September 11, 1974, Dorothy Sutherland produced Ruth and Augustus Goetz's The Heiress for the opening of the new Cate Theatre auditorium at the College for Advanced Technical Education in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth.

Actress Alice Krige was one of her pupils when she was still at school.

Sources

1974 Theatre programme for The Heiress.

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