W.J. du P. Erlank

(1901-19*) Academic, author, translator and cultural leader. Wrote under the pseudonym Eitemal.

Born in Wolmeransstad and completed his high school studies at the Boys High School, Potchefstroom. Studied at the Transvaal University College in Pretoria, the University of the Witwatersrand, the Gemeentelike Universiteit , Amsterdam and University of Pretoria.

He was professor in Dutch literature at the Stellenbosch University (1950-1966), cultural attaché in the SA embassy in Den Haag, Netherlands (1967-1971). He also served as a member of the Publications Council and CAPAB.

Also wrote a play (So Praat die Ou Rivier) which was produced by NTO in 1954, playing for 121 performances. Published by * in 19*.

Translations of plays include Macbeth (University of Stellenbosch, 1967, the besis for macbeth.slapeloos, 2013-2014), * Voorlopige Vonnis ("Provisional Sentence") by Jozef van Hoeck (performed by NTO, 1958).***

Became a board member for the Cape region on NTO, and heavily involved in arguing for a regional branch and ultimately leading to the founding of the four performing arts councils. Also instrumental in inviting Fred Engelen to become the head of the Drama Department at the University of Stellenbosch.

Sources

HAUM, 1974. Stellenbosse Galery, p.15.

Return to

Return to ESAT Personalities E

Return to South African Theatre Personalities

Return to Main Page