Aletta Gericke

GERICKE, Aletta. (1916/17?*- 2005) Actress and director for stage and radio, speech and drama teacher. Born and raised in Oudtshoorn. ** One of the founders of the Akademie vir Dramakuns in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Stellenbosch. Married to the journalist C.J. Engelbrecht for 57 years. As an actress started in Cape Town, with K.A.T. In 1948 moved to the SABC in Johannesburg?*. *Then moved back in 19**? Became an influential and popular radio actress and director in Cape Town. Started as a professional stage actress in 1933 with Henri van Wyk's first company, acting in Koningin Esther. ** As director she did *, * and *. In 1948 she directed Oorlog is Oorlog (J.F.W. Grosskopf) for Volksteater, winning the Breytenbach-shield in the FATSSA competition. *** Widely honoured for her contribution, i.a. by the SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns, the FAK (1987) and the SA government (Order of Merit, 1992). Died in Pretoria on 19 February 2005.

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