Schach, Leonard Lazarus

SCHACH, Leonard Lazarus. M.A.. LL.B. Theatrical and film Director and Producer, Born Cape Town 10th. September 1918. Son of Solomon and Edith Schach. Educated at the South African School and the University of Cape Town. Played a prominent part in student activities, was President of the University Dramatic Society for five years. Having first acted while at school, continued acting at University. Served in the Legal Department of the South African Navy during the Second World War and while on active service produced the Naval play "The Middle Watch" with a cast made up entirely of Naval personnel. In 1947 and 1948 travelled in the United States and Europe on a two-year study of Theatre Arts under the aegis of the Department of Adult Education. In 1948 represented the South African Government at the inaugural Conference of the International Theatre Institute (a Department of Unesco) held in Prague and became a constituent foundation member of the Organisation. Returning to South Africa, established himself as a Producer and Director with his production of Tennessee Williams "Glass Menagerie", and formed the Leonard Schach Cockpit Players. During the next seven years directed plays for University of Cape Town Drama Department, Cape Town Repertory Theatre Society, Johannesburg Repertory Society and the National Theatre Organisation of South Africa (of which body he was director of productions). Was also appointed Lecturer in Theatre Arts in the Drama Department of the University of Cape Town and for one year was Controller of the Little Theatre at the University. In 1951 represented South Africa at the International Conference on Children's Theatre held in Paris. During 1952 directed "The Mad Woman of Chaillot” in Manchester, England. When Cape Town was left without a permanent professional theatre in 1955, took over the Hofmeyr Theatre and his company (with its name changed to Leonard Schach Productions staged continuous performances of professional theatre in Cape Town and toured their more successful productions throughout South Africa and the Rhodesias; in 1960 also leased the Playhouse Theatre in Johannesburg. Received Queen Elizabeth's Coronation Medal (1952) for services to the South African Theatre, and in 1961 was accorded the Cape Tercentenary Award in recognition of his cultural contribution to South Africa. For many years was a member of the Cape Regional Board of the National Theatre Organisation and Vice-Chairman of the South African Association of Theatrical Managements. In 1963 participated in the Foreign Specialists programme of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State; as part of the programme participated in the staging of Arthur Miller's "After the Fall", directed by Elia Kazan; was lecturer at the University of Wisconsin and directed "Hodag!" for the Wisconsin Idea Theatre. Returning to South Africa, staged "After the Fall" here with great success. In 1965 was invited by the Cameri Theatre in Tel-Aviv to be a Guest Director and there staged "After the Fall" and other plays in Hebrew. Later that year was a member of the Faculty of the Wagner Master Classes, Bayreuth. Returning to South Africa, produced his first opera for Cape Performing Arts Board. Smetana's "Bartered Bride". In 1966 appointed permanent Guest Director of the Cameri Theatre, Tel- Aviv, and each year directs two or three plays for that Organisation. In 1966 directed his first film, "Cry in the Wind", on the Greek island of Skyros and in Athens. For the Royal Theatre du Parc in Brussels in 1966, produced "After the Fall" (in French) and in 1967 "Twelfth Night". During 1967 also produced "Heartbreak House" for P.A.C.T.. staged the first production in England of "After the Fall" and was the first South African Director engaged to direct the annual Shakespeare Festival at Maynardville, Cape Town.