Drama en toneel in Suid-Afrika. Deel 1. 1652-1855

§ 2. St. Helena.

Die bande tussen St. Helena en die Kaap in hierdie tydperk was gewoonlik baie nou⁴⁾. Vir die belangwekkendheid vermeld ek 'n verslag van toneeltoestande in (en eintlik voor) 1825 wat ons in 'n Kaapse koerant aantref⁵⁾.

Onder die opskrif ‘St. Helena Theatricals’ word ons meegedeel: ‘The theatre at this place has, for considerable time been the only place of public amusement, and, as at the Cape, the performers being Amateurs, it would perhaps, be unfair to criticise. The performances are about once a month; but do not meet with such great encouragement as when Napoleon was alive, Sir Hudson and Lady Lowe, with the numerous staff, as well as the several admirals and their followers, were invariably present whenever the Theatre was opened. Our present Governor is more domestic and turns his mind so much to agriculture and the cultivation of the more useful employments of life, that only twice for a period of nearly three years has he honoured the theatre with his presence. The concern has in consequence considerably failed and scarcely one night in ten pays the expences; and the public here, as well as at home, appear to have caught the infection for theatrical show and pageantry, that nothing but the most expensive pieces in getting up will draw a house. This was evinced lately in the production of the Romance of the Forty Thieves (Sheridan, Ward and Colman), and the novelty of introducing real horses; and the last scene, in which cascades of real water were introduced, pleased so much that it was repeated a few nights after to a good audience although no ships were in the Roads. Indeed, the piece was altogether well got up and it is said would not have disgraced some of the English Provincial Theatres.

The new scenery was painted by Mr. Julio, a native of the island, and a panoramic view near Constantinepie (Constantinople?) was very much applauded. Reynold's Comedy of

4) Vgl. C. Adv. 11 Apr. '35; Mod. 10 Jan. '37.

5) C. Adv. 12 Okt. '25.

[p. 391]

Speculation has since this been performed, for the first time here, to a very thin audience - there not being more than £ 17 in the house, while the first time the Forty Thieves was played, there was near £ 60, and the second time near £ 40. Although the Comedy, from its allusion to present times, particularly to agriculture, was far more worthy a better house, it went off remarkably well, and Alderman Amble's hits told admirably. In the 4^th Act Tanjou drank “To the speedy and total abolition of slavery”, which was well received by the audience, and “The most comfortable place at St. Helena - the Pay Office”, drew down thunders of applause.

About three months since a young gentleman named Dring, only 14 years of age, performed Douglas (Home) before the Governor and was highly applauded, as were also the other gentlemen who performed in the piece’.

Die skrywer teken homself ‘N.L.’ en hoop om nog meer verslae op te stuur. Vind kan ek hul nie.

Ewenas as aan die Kaap word Prins Willem Frederik Hendrik van Oranje geesdriftig en feestelik daar in 1838 ontvang¹⁾, 'n interessante geval.

1) G.G. 13 Jul. '38; sien bls. 339.