Amateur Theatre Guild
The Amateur Theatre Guild was one of a few amateur theatre organizations in Port Elizabeth.
In fact there is some confusion in the records about the differences between the Theatre Guild (1951-1958), the Amateur Theatre Guild (1961-1963) and the Port Elizabeth Theatre Guild (1962-). .
Founding and early history
Port Elizabeth's Amateur Theatre Guild was founded in 1961 by members of the cast of King Lear which was produced in that year after the death of producer Andre Huguenet. The group cooperated so well together that they decided to form a new organisation under the name Amateur Theatre Guild. During their first year they produced Our Town, Rope, Tea and Sympathy, and The Lark. Hundreds of people were unable to see The Lark because the season, fully booked, could not be extended as no other suitable venue could be found. These four productions raised well over R4 000-00 for various charities. Founding "members" included Christine Roberts, George Jones, Jill Shepherd, Alan Williams, and David Hemmings.
Aims and function
The Amateur Theatre Guild was unique in South Africa as it had no funds, no members as such, no committee, no secretary and no constitution.
Later status
By August 1962, the Amateur Theatre Guild was also calling itself the Port Elizabeth Theatre Guild.
According to the March 1985, edition of Scenaria magazine (Issue no 50), The Company of Four assumed the name of the Amateur Theatre Guild from 1951 till 1958 when it became the Port Elizabeth Theatre Guild.
February 20 - 24, 1962: The Amateur Theatre Guild produced Five Finger Exercise at the Port Elizabeth City Hall.
August 14 - 18, 1962: The Port Elizabeth Theatre Guild presented Arthur Miller's Pulitzer Prize winning play, Death of a Salesman at the Port Elizabeth City Hall. The play was directed by David Barnett - producer. The setting was by Patsy Barnett.
April 16 - 23, 1963: The Amateur Theatre Guild staged Hamlet at the Port Elizabeth City Hall. The play was produced by Will Jamieson with all proceeds going towards the Red Cross.
Sources
Sunday Tribune, February 11, 1962.
Evening Post, April 10, 1963.
Eastern Province Herald April 20, April 17, 1963.
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