Many plays are written by authors who, for various reasons, prefer to hide their identity. A number of techniques are employed in such cases, e.g. the use of a pseudonym or nom de plume, the omission of a name altogether, or the use of a phrase to indicate something like local authorship.

Pseudonyms

An indication of local authorship

Besides omitting to mention an author altogether or using a pseudonym, a number general phrases have been used over time to identify as a local personality.

In Cape Town for example, one finds examples such as "A Gentleman of the Cape" (1858), "A Young Lady of Cape Town" (1870),