Dramaturg

The term Dramaturg has a range of meanings in European languages, ranging from playwright to a professional within a theatre or opera company who deals mainly with research and development of plays or operas. (In this latter sense, sometimes written as dramaturge)

In South Africa the term is found in both versions.

Dramaturg in Afrikaans

In Afrikaans it simply means "dramatist" or "playwright" and is used in that sense. The old Dutch term toneelskrywer (or toneelschrijver) is sometimes found, particularly in the early years of the 20th century, but has largely been replaced by dramaturg.

There are occasions when the term, used in Afrikaans, may refer to both functions, e.g. in the case of the position of Resident-dramaturg (Playwright in Residence).

Dramaturg in English

In English it is normally used in the German sense, as developed by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing in the 18th century, namely to refer to a person employed by a theatre or opera company to undertake research and development of plays or operas. More often also called a literary advisor in South Africa.