Petrus du Preez

(1978-) Actor, puppeteer, playwright, director, lecturer and academic. Born in Wellington, studied drama and communication studies at the University of the Orange Free State, then did post-graduate (M.Dram, D.Phil - 2007) in drama at the University of Stellenbosch, where he had been appointed research assistant and tutor, then lecturer and in 2011 became a full-time Senior Lecturer, responsible for the Post-graduate programme.

His academic research focussed has included studies of Afrikaans theatre, dramatic theory, puppetry and masks. He became the Technical Editor of South African Theatre Journal (SATJ) in 2003, in 2004 became an Assistant editor (alongside Yvette Hutchison and Edwin Hees) and in 2010 became the executive Co-editor of with founding editor Temple Hauptfleisch.

As an actor has performed in a variety of professional shows, including adverts and fills for television. He specializes in comic roles.

Besides appearing in the annual Maynardville Shakespeare productions, he has had roles in Slaghuis (Willem Anker, 2006), Maria de Buenos Aires, A Midsummer Night's Dream, die Aardklop speelvak van Romeo + Julia (studie van 'n verdrinkende liggaam), As Mure kon praat, Die Storm, Lawwe Geluide, Derde Party and Diensmeisies. As co-director did Moeders en Dogters, Toorberg en Want kyk, die Bruidegom is hier.

He has written a number of plays, specialising in children's theatre and puppetry. His play Die Slapende Skoonheid, won the Kanna Prize for children's theatre at the KKNK in 2008.