Louw Verwey

Louw Verwey (17/2/1930-2008) Actor, director, playwright.

Biography

Born in Prince Albert in the Karoo, went to school in Parow, finishing at J.J. du Preez High School. A Miss Duncan there introduced him to Shakespeare.

His daughter, Isadora Verwey also became an actress.

Louw died in Durbanville in June 2008.

Training

Went to University of Cape Town to obtain a B.A degree.

Career

Joined the Hanekom Geselskap in 1949, and later worked with André Huguenet as well. Later performed for NTO and three of the Performing Arts Councils (PACT, CAPAB and PACOFS). Before joining CAPAB he had his own professional company.Also worked with some of the well-known amateur companies.

For seven years after his breakdown during the production of Meneer Puntila en sy Kneg Matti Verwey did not act until Pieter Fourie lured him back to the stage.

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

Among his prominent performances were in Die Jaar van die Vuuros (1952), Die Iepekonders (1953), Die Koopman van Venesië (for Fred Engelen, 1960), Die Koning Sterf (Exit the King by Eugène Ionesco - 19*), Six Characters in Search of an Author, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Hedda Gabler, Lokval! (1964), The Rashomon Gate (1965), Puntilla en sy Kneg Matti (December 1973), Broer Matie in 1984, The Guardian/Die Baas (19*), Op Hoop van Seën ("In Hope of Grace" - 19*), Salieri in Amadeus (Schaffer, which he also directed - 1990), Die Haasvanger, 1991, Ek, Anna van Wyk (Pieter Fourie, 19*), Man met 'n lyk om sy nek, Die Nonne, Mirakel (Reza de Wet, 19**). Die Huwelik van meneer Mississippi (1973).

Other productions include Die Keiser, Plaston: DNS-Kind, Die Hekse van Salem, Die Drie Van Der Walts, Die Dans van die Reier.

He directed an all-female production of Die Nag van Legio. As a dramatist he has written and produced a number of plays, including Dawid en Batseba (BAT, 1961), Die Droomkotiljons ("The Dream Cotillions" - 19*), Osseba, Die Wit Nar van God ("The White Clown of God" – CAPAB, 1976), Afrika is Genesis, Maria! (written 1970 as a "draman" i.e. play/novel, performed University of Stellenbosch in 1990), Die Groot Wit Roos (1991), Kloue (NAF, 1991), Adamas (*, Aardklop 2000).

Also did a number of films, including My Naam is Dingetjie (1976), The Gods Must Be Crazy (19*), Fiela se Kind (19*), My Broer se Bril and TV shows such as Manakwalanders, Ballade vir 'n Enkeling and Sand.

Sources

Lokval! programme notes, 1964.

Tribute written by Wim Vorster, Pretoria News, 25 June 2008.

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