I.W. van der Merwe

I.W. van der Merwe (1897-1967). Academic, lexicographer, poet and novelist and an amateur actor.

His prose writings appeared under the pseudonym of Boerneef

Biography

Born Izak Wilhelmus van der Merwe on the farm Boplaas in the Ceres district on 11 May 1897.

He died in Cape Town on 2 Julie 1967, buried at Boplaas.

Contribution to South African theatre, film, media and performance

He was a member and original treasurer of the K.A.T. (Kaapstadse Afrikaanse Toneelvereniging), for which he acted in works such as Die Heks (C. Louis Leipoldt, 1936),

A play called Boerneef van Boplaas was performed by Die Rederykers in George circa 1978-1983.

In 2017 En nou, 50 jaar na sy dood, word Boerneef vereer in woord en klank in die produksie Flennie die Snare by die Innibos Laeveldse Nasionale Kunstefees, vanaf 5 tot 8 Julie in die Nelspruit Hoërskool-ouditorium met ‘n sterbelaaaide rolverdeling en kreatiewe span. Chris Chameleon, Anna Davel, Johny Klein en Daniella Deysel deel die verhoog met Jaconell Mouton (musikale regisseur), Mauritz Lotz en Riaan van Rensburg. Frans Swart het die teks geskryf en hanteer ook die regie.