Herr Puntila und sein Knecht Matti

Herr Puntila und sein Knecht Matti is a play by Bertold Brecht [1] (1998-1956).

The story describes the aristocratic land-owner Puntila's relationship to his servant, Matti, as well as his daughter, Eva, who he wants to marry off to an Attaché. Eva herself loves Matti and so Puntila has to decide whether to marry his daughter to his driver or to an Attaché, while he also deals with a drinking problem.

The original text

Herr Puntila und sein Knecht Matti : Volksstuck. Published by Suhrkamp, c1950.

It was written in 1940 and first performed in 1948.

Translations and adaptations

Translated into Afrikaans by Nerina Ferreira as Meneer Puntila en sy Kneg Matti.

The English translation is entitled Mr Puntila and his Man Matti. [2]

Performance history in South Africa

University of Cape Town Little Theatre production of Mr Puntila and his Man Matti. Date unknown.

A production in Afrikaans was directed for CAPAB by German director Volker Griessler starring Louw Verwey, Pieter Geldenhuys, Mees Xteen. Designer Raimond Schoop. Stage manager Mavis Lilenstein. It opened on 20 December 1973. After three or four performances Louw Verwey had a break-down and the rest of the run had to be cancelled.