Emile Aucamp

Emile Aucamp (19**-199*) Theatre technician, lighting designer and drama lecturer.

Biography

He died unexpectedly in 199*.

Training

Obtained a B.A. from the University of Stellenbosch

Career

After a short free-lance career touring with National Theatre Organisation, he was appointed as chief theatre technician for the the new H.B. Thom Theatre in Stellenbosch in 1966. In this capactiy he was responsible for the workshop and lighting, and for training new technicians and stage managers for the industry. His students were much sought after and filled numerous positions throughout the industry over the years. Aucamp continued doing free-lange lighting design for Cape Town and Stellenbosch theatres (notably the Space, CAPAB and the Oude Libertas Open Air Theatre) and did quite a bit of acting, particularly film and TV work.

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

He had stage roles in Our Town/Ons Dorp, The Winter's Tale and a role in the television series Sagmoedige Neelsie.

He became quite a public figure for his work as “Doorsie” in Herrie en Kie**?? (about the writer C.J. Langenhoven – 19**) and particularly as “Ou Dok” in the hugely successful Boer War series Arende (“Eagles”-19**). Also in the Ross Devenish film The Guest at Steenkampkraal An immensely popular and quirkily eccentric man, he was married to Elaine Aucamp. They have three children.

A Student support fund at the University of Stellenbosch is named after him.

Sources

Go to ESAT Bibliography

Return to

Return to ESAT Personalities A

Return to South African Theatre Personalities

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page