Kita Redelinghuys

Kita Redelinghuys (19**-1994) was an actress.

Her name also written Kita Redelinghuijs at times.

Biography

Married to dramatist Bartho Smit in 19**. She later developed an alcohol problem and disappeared from the scene. Many believe Bartho Smit's finest play, Christine, is in part based on his complex relationship with Kita.

She died in 1994.

Like her husnband, she was also a translator. Publications in this regard include Vyf Luister Na Mamma Stories, a book by Jean Sutcliffe,

She received her training at the University of Pretoria, and after accompanying her husband to Paris in 1952 took course at the drama schools of Charles Antonetti and Raymonde Lombardin in Paris and the Webber Douglas School of Dramatic Art in London. She returned to South Africa in 1957.

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

She started out as an amateur actress with Volksteater. She joined the NTO in 1957 and from 1963 onwards worked for PACT.

Played the “coloured” mother “Bertha” to great acclaim in Lewis Sowden’s The Kimberley Train (1958), Die Jakkalsstreke van Scapino (1958), “Joan” in Shaw’s Saint Joan (NTO, 1959), Meneer Sleeman Kom (1963).

Other productions include Agt Vroue, Die Gebreekte Kruik, Soldate-vryers (1965), Pa, Maak vir my 'n Vlieër Pa, Die Koning Sterf, Oom Wanja (PACT 1967), Die Skuld van Oedipus, Modes van Agter, Skuld van Voor, Die Renosters, Die Lewe wat ek jou Gegee het, Monserrat, Bruidjie Dit en Bruidjie Dot, Modes van Agter, Skuld van Voor, Sagmoedige Neelsie, Dodedans.