W.J. du P. Erlank
(1901-1984) Academic, author, translator and cultural leader. Wrote under the pseudonym Eitemal, a transposition of his university nickname of "Lammetjie" ("little lamb"). Later he was generally referred to as "Duke" Erlank by colleagues.
He was married to Hester Cornelia Visser, and they had a son.
Contents
Biography
Born Willem Jacobus du Plooy Erlankin Wolmeransstad and completed his high school studies at the Boys High School, Potchefstroom.
Training
Studied for a B.A. degree in languages and mathematics at the Transvaal University College in Pretoria, then a B.A. (Hons) at the University of the Witwatersrand, began a a degree in literature and drama at the Gemeentelike Universiteit , Amsterdam (1936-8, but had to return as war became imminent). In 1939 he completed a D.Litt at the University of Pretoria.
Career
He was professor in Dutch literature at the Stellenbosch University (1950-1966), cultural attaché in the SA embassy in Den Haag, Netherlands (1967-1971).
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
Besides his numerous novels and stories, he wrote two plays, En Hadde de Liefde Niet (1939) and So Praat die Ou Rivier (1954).
He was an award winning translator, and his translations of plays include Macbeth (performed by the University of Stellenbosch in 1967) and Voorlopige Vonnis ("Provisional Sentence") by Jozef van Hoeck (performed by NTO, 1958).
The Eitemal translation was used as the basis for macbeth.slapeloos (devised and directed by Marthinus Basson in 2013-2014).
Became a board member for the Cape region on NTO, and heavily involved in arguing for a regional branch and ultimately leading to the founding of the four performing arts councils. Also instrumental in inviting Fred Engelen to become the head of the Drama Department at the University of Stellenbosch. He also served as a member of the Publications Council in the 1970s. , NTO and CAPAB.
Awards, etc
Twice awarded a Hertzog Prize for his drama translations (1966 and 1969).
Sources
HAUM, 1974. Stellenbosse Galery, p.15.
Rosemarie Breuer, Stellenbosch Writers, p.90.
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