Johan de Witt, Raadpensionaris van Holland

Johan de Witt, Raadpensionaris van Holland ("Johan de Witt, councilor pensionary of Holland") is a prose work consisting of selection of dramatic scenes, written by A. Loosjes (Adriaan Pietersz Loosjes, 1761-1818)[1]

The original text

Unconventionally written as a piece of dramatized prose, partly narrative and partly dramatic dialogue, based on selected historical scenes from the life of the liberal and influential Dutch councilor pensionary, Johan de Witt (1625–1672)[2]. The text was published by the author in Haarlem, 1805, in a book consisting of 18 chapters and has 302 pages.

Translations and adaptations

According to F.C.L. Bosman (1980, p. 471)one of the scenes, based on events in 1672, was adapted by an unknown writer and performed in Cape Town by the Rederijkerskamer Aurora II - strangely billed as Geschiedkundig Dramatisch Episode uit Leven van Johan de Witt, Raadpensionaris van Holland, "1672", a tragedy in four acts. Probably adapted by one of the local members.

Performance history in South Africa

1875: Performed in the adapted form as Geschiedkundig Dramatisch Episode uit Leven van Johan de Witt, Raadpensionaris van Holland, "1672" in the Athenaeum Hall, Cape Town on 19 August by the Rederijkerskamer Aurora II, with No. 99 (Arnold).

1876: Performed again in the adapted form in the Oddfellows Hall, Cape Town on 6 April by the Rederijkerskamer Aurora II, with Een Huis te Koop (Duval/Leonard).