Dinkteater

A Pretoria based and highly regarded experimental theatre group founded by Danie Burger and Pieter Brand in 1974. Based on the principles of pioneered by Peter Brook and Jerzy Grotowsky, the group sought to do avant garde theatre work in Afrikaans. The cast was a mix of former drama students and amateurs, all performing without remuneration, but seeking to conform to professional standards in rehearsal and performance.

Among their productions were a number of Afrikaans versions of Elizabethan and Jacobean plays (e.g. The Duchess of Malfi, *** ), as well as more contemporary works by Eugène Ionesco and others.

A number of original new Afrikaans plays were also produced, including Bloedlyn (197*) and Wie is Leopold? (197*) by Temple Hauptfleisch and Die Duiwel, sy handlanger en die drie ligtekooie by Marlene van Niekerk all directed by Burger, and Die Ballade van Rama en Mara by Benoni de Haeck (197*) and **** by Johan Visser (197*), directed by Brand. In 1979 they produced Papawerwyn. They utilized a converted warehouse loft in Potgieter street for many years, calling it Dinkteater/Think Theatre.

In the early 1980s it briefly became a theatre club, utilizing various established venues in Pretoria, but then closed as both partners went on to other careers.

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