J.C. Combrink

J.C. Combrink (1837?-19**) was a prominent businessman, director amateur actor and leading figure in Dutch and English theatre in Cape Town during the second half of the 19th century.

He was apparently an instigator of theatrical events, a leader of companies and a director of both Dutch and English works. Mentioned by Jill Fletcher and F.C.L. Bosman as the leading figure in the company Door Yver Bloeit de Kunst (originally founded in 1849), particularly after 1868, when he and Melt Brink dominated Dutch and Afrikaans theatre.

Specifically mentioned as participating in Door Yver Bloeit de Kunst series of "Balaclava Benefit Performances" for soldiers participating in the Crimean war of 1855 (as 17 year old), he is also mentioned by Ludwig Binge (1969, p. 11) as a useful actor for Aurora, when he played the lead opposite Melt Brink in the farce Niet of Graag ("Not at all or gladly") 5 September 1867 and repeated the role 3 October 1867 (billed as J. Combrink).