Frederick b. Philander: An exploration of his contribution to Namibian theatre (1979-2021)

The purpose of this study was to explore Frederick B. Philander's contribution to Namibian theatre from 1979 to 2021. The study was intended to fill a gap in Namibian theatre history. In-depth interviews were done with Frederick B. Philander and theatre practitioners familiar with Frederick B. Philander's theatre practices. This study utilised archival information and written documentation of his work. The outcomes of the study indicated that Frederick B. Philander made important contributions to Namibian theatre over the aforementioned years. Philander's contribution includes a legacy that continues on in the current generation of theatre practitioners to whom he provided acting and staging opportunities. Philander has made significant contributions to the promotion of theatre outside of Namibia's borders. Philander is a theatre practitioner who has written and performed various plays that have been published. Philander established several theatre groups such as Windhoek Theatre Association, Windhoek Players, Serpent Players and CAN, and also chaired Assitej-Namibia. Philander was the first ‘black’ Namibian playwright to have published his plays. He also broke the pillars of apartheid when he staged the first ‘non-white’ play in an ‘all-white’ theatre. He further staged a controversial play The Beauty Contest, in which Philander and co- star appeared naked on stage. The research further found the need to document the work of theatre practitioners who have been active in the Namibian theatre, such as Vickson Hangula, Laurinda Olivier- Sampson, Sandy Rudd, Senga Brockerhoff, and Tanya Terblanche and others. These practitioners have been active in Namibian theatre over the years by writing plays and staging productions. Therefore, they deserve to be documented. It should be noted that theatre is still ongoing in Namibia at the time of this research, therefore it needs to be documented constantly

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Namibia

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Nehemia, Melgisedek

• Contribution
• Explore
• Frederick B. Philander
• Namibian theatre

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11070/3871

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/3871