Professor Pieter Scholtz dies on July 5, 2025. (Caroline Smart remembers the well-known professor and director)
I was so very sad to learn that Pieter had left us. He had been in decline for a few years – actually been in hospital for a couple of weeks up to his death on July 5 - but he ploughed on with his characteristic determination. For instance, whether by request or not, he was always able to quote accurately from any Shakespeare play!
Our association and friendship goes back a long way - to 1974 with productions at the City Centre Theatre Workshop, such as Dandy Dick, Dangerous Corner, The Idiot, Hotel Paradiso, Story of an African Farm, and the powerful Andorra in 1983.
The first big production was for the opening of the Drama Theatre at The Playhouse. We rehearsed in the UKZN Drama Prac studio while the theatre was being renovated. However, the contractors were behind time for so long that, as the weeks passed, the time spent in rehearsal in the actual theatre became seriously reduced for such a large production. Eventually the production was changed to a smaller cast and no orchestra. The name of the show that opened the Drama was The Suicide! - a more than ironic title!
(“… after 25 years, it’s nice to know…” Extract from a poignant song in ”Fiddler on the Roof” sung by Caroline Smart and Pieter Scholtz)
I remember playing Golde to his Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof in 1981 and the Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music in 1985.
He was a great director – knew exactly what he wanted from his actors. He could be very strict but it was always part of achieving the best results.
My late husband, Peter Gardner, and I – along with fellow-actor Patrick Collyer - were involved in the creation of the Kwasuka Theatre and the naming of its Courtyard in memory of poet Douglas Livingstone.
About 16 years ago, Pieter and a few friends started what
would become a monthly gathering titled Mondays @ 6 at St Clements which is
still a regular event.
An extraordinary life, Pieter. You made a huge contribution to theatre in Durban and to the lives of those students who studied with you. I’ll miss you - may you now rest in well-deserved peace. - Caroline Smart
Visit Billy Suter’s website to see his tribute -
sosuterbill@gmail.com
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