Dinkteater

DINKTEATER [THINK THEATRE], Pretoria. (197*-198*) A highly regarded experimental theatre group founded by Danie Burger and Pieter Brand in 197*. Based on the principles of pioneered by Peter Brook and Jerzy Grotowsky, the group sought to do avant garde theatre work in Afrikaans. The cast was a mix of former drama students and amateurs, all performing without remuneration, but seeking to conform to professional standards in rehearsal and performance. Among their productions were a number of Afrikaans versions of Elizabethan and Jacobean plays (e.g. the Duchess of Malfi, *** ), as well more contemporary works by Ionesco and others. A number of original new Afrikaans plays were also produced, including Bloedlyn (197*) and Wie is Leopold? (197*) by Temple Hauptfleisch (197*) and Die Duiwel, sy handlanger en die drie ligtekooie by Marlene van Niekerk all directed by Burger, and Die Ballade van Rama en Mara by Benoni de Haeck (197*) and **** by Johan Visser (197*), directed by Brand. They utilized a converted warehouse loft in Potgieter street for many years, calling it Dinkteater/Think Theatre. In 198* it briefly became a theatre club, utilizing various established venues in Pretoria, but then closed as both partners went on to other careers.

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