W.J. du P. Erlank

(1901-19*) Academic, author, translator and cultural leader. Wrote under the pseudonym Eitemal.

Biography

Born in Wolmeransstad and completed his high school studies at the Boys High School, Potchefstroom.

Training

Studied at the Transvaal University College in Pretoria, the University of the Witwatersrand, the Gemeentelike Universiteit , Amsterdam and 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 one play (So Praat die Ou Rivier) which was produced by NTO in 1954, playing for 121 performances. Published by * in 19*.

He was a prolific 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.

Sources

HAUM, 1974. Stellenbosse Galery, p.15.

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