Vlyt en Kunst

Vlyt en Kunst (1834 to 1838) was a private Dutch amateur theatre company, founded in Cape Town, managed by J.T. van der Chys, with J.J. de Kock as secretary.

It is first mentioned in 1834, though the company itself claimed that it dated from 1832, which Bosman (1928, p. 321) argues must mean that it was a continuation of the company Door Yver Bloeit de Kunst

The company performed Dutch plays, including works by Molière and Von Kotzebue, most of the productions taking place in what was known as the Amateur Theatre, though they also occasionally used the African Theatre.

C.E. Boniface also wrote and translated some works for the company.

Performances included:

Clasius (Boniface), De Burger Edelman (Molière).

In the course of 1838 two opposing groups formedwithin the company (one led by De Kock). Eventually this internal strife caused the break-up of the company at the end of 1838.

[TH, JH]

Sources

F.C.L. Bosman, 1928. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel I: 1652-1855. Pretoria: J.H. de Bussy. [1]: pp. 321-342.

P.J. du Toit, 1988. Amateurtoneel in Suid-Afrika. Pretoria: Academica

Go to ESAT Bibliography

Return to

Return to South African Theatre Venues, Companies, Societies, etc

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page