Der Eckensteher Nante im Verhör

Der Eckensteher Nante im Verhör (loosely translated: "the town porter Nante in court") is a comical scene ("Komische Scene") by Friedrich Beckmann (1803-1866)[1].

The original text

Also described as a "Lokal-posse" it was first performed in Berlin at the Konigstadter-Theater in 1833, with Beckmann himself playing one of the roles. The text published in Berlin by August Rüder in the same year. (The eight editions appearing in 1833).

Translations and adaptations

Freely translated into Dutch as Hans de Kruyer in 't Verhoor ("Hans the porter court") and described as "eene kluchtige scène uit het stadsleven" ("a farcical scene from city life"), by S. Schoonhoven and W.N. van Nooten.

Published in Alkmaar by Joh. Roem in 1847.

The language of the play was apparently adapted to Cape Dutch (or early Afrikaans) by members of Aurora II and Aurora III, being played under the titles Hans de Kruier ("Hans the porter") and Hans de Portier in 't Vehoor.

Performance history in South Africa

1870: Performed in Dutch as Hans de Kruyer in 't Verhoor in the Germania Hall, Cape Town, by Aurora II on 8 September, with Miskend (Meys).

1881: Performed as Hans de Kruier by Aurora II in the hall of the Athenaeum Hall, Cape Town on 25 August, as an afterpiece to De Boodschapper of Loevestein in 1670 (Kroon)

1910: Performed in Afrikaans as Hans de Portier in 't Vehoor by Aurora III in the ANV Saal, Cape Town, on 31 August, with the monologue Een Rooie Tydens de Kroningsfeesten (Bremer), the performances in celebration of Queen Wilhelmina's birthday.