Frederick b. Philander: An exploration of his contribution to Namibian theatre (1979-2021)
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Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
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
Description
A masters thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in performing arts
Keywords
Contribution, Explore, Frederick B. Philander, Namibian theatre