Ons Taal

("Our Language")

There appear to have been two organisations by this name, both directly or indirectly concerned with theatre.

Ons Taal, the Afrikaans cultural journal

A Dutch-Afrikaans cultural journal, published by the society Ons Taal in Bloemfonteinand aimed at cultral, dramatic and debating societies. As part of its effort to promote culture in the country, it published plays for production by the societies and also published news about their activities.

Ons Taal, Bloemfontein - the Afrikaans cultural society

Originally founded under the Dutch name Onze Taal, by the Rev. W. Postma on 29 August 1908 for the promotion of the Dutch language. At its second public meeting a theatre-division was also formed, and the association became explicitly pro-Afrikaans, although the dominant language remained Dutch.

In 1910, the society was joined by D.F. Malherbe and the name was later altered to Ons Taal. Later chaired by A. Havenga, with C.F. Visser and Reenen van Reenen also being leading figures. Existed from 1908-1934.

The association played a significant role in promoting Afrikaans theatre in the city. An early highlight was a performance of the specially-written Heldinne van die Oorlog at the unveiling of the Woman’s Monument in December 1913. Otherwise the did the popular plays of the day - such as Gustav Preller's translation of Charley's Aunt (as Piet s'n Tante, later written Piet se Tante), J.H.H. de Waal's Die Spioen en sy Handlangers,and C.J. Langenhoven's standard works Die Hoop van Suid-Afrika and Die Familiesaak. They considered Fijne Beskuite ("Fine biscuits") one of their triumphs, and it was done numerous times.

They also published the journal Ons Taal.

Sources

P.J. du Toit, 1988 [JH, TH]

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