Amateur Theatre Guild
Contents
Founding and early history
Port Elizabeth's Amateur Theatre Guild was founded in 1961 by members of the cast of King Lear which was produced in that year after the death of producer Andre Huguenet. The group cooperated so well together that they decided to form a new organisation under the name Amateur Theatre Guild. During their first year they produced Our Town, Rope, Tea and Sympathy, and The Lark. Hundreds of people were unable to see The Lark because the season, fully booked, could not be extended as no other suitable venue could be found. These four productions raised well over R4 000-00 for various charities. Founding "members" included Christine Roberts, George Jones, Jill Shepherd, Alan Williams, and David Hemmings.
Aims and function
The Amateur Theatre Guild was unique in South Africa as it had no funds, no members as such, no committee, no secretary and no constitution.
Later status
By August 1962, the Amateur Theatre Guild was also calling itself the Port Elizabeth Theatre Guild.
According to the March 1985, edition of Scenaria magazine (Issue no 50), The Company of Four assumed the name of the Amateur Theatre Guild from 1951 till 1958 when it became the Port Elizabeth Theatre Guild.
The Amateur Theatre Guild was inaugurated in 1951.
Impact on SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
As the Amateur Theatre Guild
In 1952 the Guild, produced A Phoenix Too Far, for The Company of Four.
In 1953 the Guild produced Private Lives as their entry for Pemads Salter's Cup.
In 1954 their entry for the competition was Sorry Wrong Number and in 1955 they entered The Snow Goose. They also produced Home and Beauty for the Port Elizabeth Jewish Guild.
In 1956 the Guild produced Miranda.
1957 saw the production of Hands Across the Sea for the Salter's Cup.
The final production was A Child is Born in 1958.
As the Port Elizabeth Theatre Guild:
February 20 - 24, 1962: The Amateur Theatre Guild produced Five Finger Exercise at the Port Elizabeth City Hall.
August 14 - 18, 1962: The Port Elizabeth Theatre Guild presented Arthur Miller's Pulitzer Prize winning play, Death of a Salesman at the Port Elizabeth City Hall. The play was directed by David Barnett - producer. The setting was by Patsy Barnett.
April 16 - 23, 1963: The Amateur Theatre Guild staged Hamlet at the Port Elizabeth City Hall. The play was produced by Will Jamieson with all proceeds going towards the Red Cross.
Sources
Sunday Tribune, February 11, 1962.
Evening Post, April 10, 1963.
Eastern Province Herald April 20, April 17, 1963.
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