Barney Barnato

Barney Barnato can refer to actual person, or to the title of the TV mini-series made of his colourful life (1989).

Barney Barnato (1852-1897)

Barney Barnato was a mining magnate, boxer and entertainer.

Biography

Born Barnett Isaacs ("Barney") in England. Came to South Africa circa 187-1875 as an impoverished boxer and entertainer. Successful investments in Kimberley diamonds turned him into a major mining magnate and life Governor of De Beers Consolidated Mines (which he and Rhodes founded in 1888). Member of Cape Parliament for Kimberley (1889-1897) and founder of Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Co. in 1889.

Barnato died when he allegedly fell overboard in mid-ocean when travelling from England.

Contribiution to South African theatre and performance

In the period 1870-1875 he was one of the performers who performed in "Entertainments" at the Good Hope Gardens, and when he first arrived on the diamond fields, he initially continued his interest in both boxing and theatre, often appearing on stage in the old Theatre Royal in Kimberley. He was popular with the miners for his fiery performances, despite his lack of education and uncouth pronunciation. Apparently great in character parts, he also played "Iago" once in a production of Othello in aid of the Kimberley hospital. (He had offered to double the takings, if allowed to play the part.)

In Johannesburg the Little Theatre was renamed the Barnato Theatre in his honour.

Sources

See: Bosman 1928, Bosman, 1981, Fletcher, 1994, De Beer, 1995

Barney Barnato (TV mini-series, 1989)

Sources

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6240158/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm

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