W.E.G. Louw
William Ewart Gladstone Louw (1913-1980) [1]. Poet, translator, epicurean and renowned and influential theatre, literary and music critic.
Contents
Biography
Born in Sutherland in the Karoo, he was the brother of poet, playwright and academic N.P. van Wyk Louw.
He studied at the University of Stellenbosch and continued his studies in the Netherlands at the University of Amsterdam. His first academic position was as professor of Afrikaans and Nederlands at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. In 1957 he accepted the post of Arts Editor at Die Burger (a newspaper in the Cape) and remained there until the end of 1966. From 1967 he served as professor of Dutch Literature at the University of Stellenbosch, until his retirement in 1978.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
In the time he was involved in theatre in a number of ways, e.g. translated Sacha Guitry's Huis te Koop and Maurice Maeterlinck's Die Indringer (with his brother), and Sudermann's Fritsie in 1935, acting as stage manager for the three productions by students of the university. In 1942 he wrote a prologue for Volksteater's Nativity play, which was used annually afterwards. Translated Monna Vanna by Maurice Maeterlinck (produced by Volksteater in 1942).
He became perhaps the most prominent and influential critic of his time, reviewing plays and productions for Die Burger.
On occasion acted as adjudicator for the FATSSA Play Festival.
He also served on the board of the NTO and CAPAB???*** [??*
He wrote a play - Die Kersspel ("The Christmas Play" - 194*) - which was produced as their first production by the Bloemfonteinse Teatergroep in December 1946. [was this not NPvWL??*].
W.E.G. Louw serves his reading public by writing authoritative and well-grounded notices. He champions the preservation and elaboration of previously obtained standards in the professional theatre (CAPAB ).
Sources
Joubert, G.J. 1974.
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