Die Goue Kring
Die Goue Kring ("The Golden Circle") is an Afrikaans play by Uys Krige (1910–1987).
Contents
The original text
Sub-titled 'n legende in vier bedrywe ("a legend in four acts"), it is a tale set in Spain, telling of prodigal son of a village in Spain, of riddles and thievery, songs and death. It’s a beautiful work in a lyrical tradition that offers no lightning bolts and plot dynamite, but rather takes a contemplative, balladeering look at mortality.
It was first performed in 1956 and published by Balkema in 1956 and by Human & Rousseau, 1976.
Translations and adaptations
Adapted for radio by Hermien Dommisse, it was broadcast by Radio Sonder Grense on , directed by Evert Snyman, with Hannah Botha, Lochner de Kock, Francois du Bruyn, Matthys du Toit, Douwlina Grobler, Frans Kalp, Dirk Kotzé, Linda Pienaar, André Stolz, Charles van der Merwe, Pieter van Vuuren. Technical support by Johan Chandler and Piet Moskow.
Performance history in South Africa
1956: First performed by JAATS for their Festival production at the Library Theatre in Johannesburg.
1958: Directed by Leonie Pienaar at the Little Theatre in May, starring Hannes Horne, Ivor Kruger, Johann Schultz, Pietro Nolte, Danie Marais, Denice Donegan, Lynette Kotzé, Hymie Gien, Lily-Jean Satusky, Estelle Levinsohn, Bob van der Valck, Ghoen Theron. Decor designed and built by Cecil Pym, lighting by Cliff Taylor, costumes by Mavis Taylor and students.
1975: Directed by Hannes Horne as University of Pretoria Drama Department production, with Anna Neethling-Pohl as Moeder Mart.
1976: Staged by Universiteitsteater Stellenbosch in the H.B. Thom Theatre in May 1976, directed by Ria Olivier, assisted by Johann van Heerden, with Karien Scheepers (Marta), Cornelius Pauw (Luis), Johan Fourie (Johan J. Fourie) (Pablo), Suzette Eksteen (Violetta), Elizabeth Archer (Isabella), Christo Compion (Miguel), Pieter van der Merwe (Ferdinand), Johann van Heerden (Vreemdeling), Gisela Taeger-Berger (Dans van die Dood), Fred le Roux (Biskop), Solly Oosthuizen (bedelaar), Iza Trengove (Pedro), Louié Loots (Juan), Karin Griessel (Solidad) and Diane Vlotman, Antoinette Wilkinson, Elsabé Wessels and Tammy Alberts as (Vroue). Décor and lighting by Emile Aucamp, costumes by Elaine Aucamp and music specially composed by Hubert du Plessis.
1982: Presented by PACOFS, directed by Sandra Kotzé, starring, among others, Anna Neethling-Pohl, Richard van der Westhuizen and Sulette Minnaar.
Sources
PACOFS Drama 25 Years, 1963-1988.
UTS theatre programme May 1976.
"Ode to an orange tree" by Robyn Sassen, My View by Robyn Sassen and other writers (April 9, 2020)[1]
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