Browsing by Author "Neethling, Miemie"

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    Cape curtains : a study of selected Cape Town theatres, 1843-1916
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002) Neethling, Miemie; Hauptfleisch, Temple; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Drama.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study aims to reconstruct the history of the Capetonian theatrical venue of the second half of the 19th century. It explores the many different venues used for theatrical activities. Venues discussed include amateur theatres such as the Hope Street Theatre, Roeland Street Theatre, Haupt's Theatre and the Drury Lane Theatre. Due to the extensive research already done on the African Theatre on Riebeeck Square and the Garrison Theatre they are only briefly mentioned as part of the background to the social dynamics of Victorian Cape Town. Quite often venues such as banqueting halls, drawing-rooms and wine stores doubled as theatrical venues. Halls discussed include the Oddfellows Hall, the Mutual Hall and the Drill Hall. Although the main objective of the study was the theatrical venue, it is impossible not to mention the different drama companies that occupied these venues. Therefore, the activities of the drama companies were also discussed to a certain extent, because of the strong interrelationship between company and theatre house. These include, among others, the companies of Sefton Parry and Disney Roebuck. For the purpose of this study the theatrical venue has been defined as an indoors space, which is divided into two clearly demarcated areas, namely the stage and the auditorium. Because of this definition the early African theatrical activities are not included in this study and it deals rather with the Western theatre tradition, namely that of the early Dutch and English artists. The study deals primarily with the dominant English theatre post-1850 and the shift from amateur to professional theatricals. Professional theatres include the Theatre Royals of Harrington Street and Burg Street, the Exhibition Theatre and the Good Hope Theatre. At the end of the thesis parallels are drawn between the 19th and 20th century theatre houses such as the Opera House and the Tivoli Theatre. Another issue addressed by the study is the quest for a permanent theatrical venue or building in the early Cape theatre tradition.