Herman Steytler

Herman du Plessis Steytler (1903-). Renowned journalist, playwright, director and actor. ***

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

He played the role of cardinal's secretary in the first, ground-breaking production of C. Louis Leipoldt's Die Heks in 1925, opposite Paul de Groot and Stephanie Fauré. Later, as a journalist with Die Burger, he was a member of the Oranjeklub and acted in their seminal Hantie kom Huistoe (P.W.S. Schumann, 1933), becoming a very active member of the Kaapstadse Afrikaanse Toneelvereniging (K.A.T.) in Cape Town for more than twenty years and portrayed more roles for them than any other member (Binge estimates more than 35). Among the plays were Rooibruin Blare (H.A. Fagan, 1934), Die Seeman (D.F. Malherbe, 1934), Drie Wyse Dwase (Austin Strong , tr. C. de Wet Marais, 1937), Die Laaste Aand (1941), Die Gode Lag (1945), Die Onbekende Man (1952) and Die Gelukkigste Dae (1952).

As director he was responsible for Die Papiermes (1937), Vrydag (1949) and Die Laaste van die Takhare (1953).

He also wrote some plays including Vyf Dogters and Katte-tee.

Among plays he translated into Afrikaans were Die Onsigbare Band, Platsak and Opsaal, Vrouens.

Sources

See Binge, 1969

Nel, F.J. 1972, pp. 13, 153.

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