Dutch and British Influences; S.J. du Toit

One of the main influences in African theater were the Dutch and the British in South Africa.  When they came to South Africa in the 1800's, they taught the African natives about religion and opened their eyes to new ideas.  In 1801 the African Theater was built in Cape Town.  There was finally a place where visitors to Africa could be entertained by watching plays that European theater companies would perform.  The Dutch came first which is why most of the language spoken in South Africa has dutch roots to them.  The term "Afrikaans" is Dutch and the natives, such as S.J. du Toit whom you'll soon learn about, call themselves Afrikaans.  When the British arrived, they had influenced the natives as well, with their religion and other ways.  The African natives had learned the ways of the theater and the most famous play that came out of the 19th century was Magrita Prinslo written by S.J. du Toit (pictured below).

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