Pieter-Dirk Uys
Actor, Comedian, Satirist, Author, Playwright
South Africa's Treasure
Pieter-Dirk Uys was born, bred and, as he describes himself,
"invented" in Cape Town, South Africa. He is a writer and an
entertainer. He further notes more a reactor than actor, more famous
as a Boer diva than a dramatist.
His plays have been performed all over Africa and overseas including the United States and Great Britain. His plays include: "Paradise is Closing Down", "Panorama", "God's Forgotten", "Beyond All Reason", "Just Like Home" and scores more.
Among books published are his plays, as well as Evita Bezuidenhout's biography: "A Part Hate A Part Love." And "No One's Died Laughing," and "Evita Fungalore."
He has written over thirty five plays, over fifteen books/plays published, over thirty- films/video's, and made and hundreds of personal appearances throughout the world.
Pieter-Dirk Uys (pronounced Ace) is indeed prolific in his writings but it is comedic and satirical performances, especially his one-man-show performances, that garner enormous critical praise and audience laughter. His one-man-shows started with "Adapt or Die" in 1981. Then came "Total Onslaught", "Beyond the Rubicon", "Farce about Uys", 'Dekaffirnated," "An Audience with Evita Bezuidenhout" among several other solo performance. It is his "Evita" show which has brought Uys worldwide fame.
Evita Bezuidenhout is Ambassador without Portfolio, chief liaison person with President Mandela's office with regard to Afrikaans Cultural Affairs and on Committee looking into what to do with the old Symbols of State. Uys takes delight in satirizing Evita and her "contributions" to the new South Africa.
Uys has a definite philosophy about his life, which has led to his pervasive and critical success. : 1) One must have the confidence to know that you can do it in spite of what other people say; 2) there is no overnight success; 3) read everything and use your imagination; 4) forget the word 'career', your life is your passion; 5) enjoy what you do! ; 6) remember to always to be your severest critic. Don't be satisfied with success it's only a stepping stone to the next challenge; 7) no one is as interested in your work as you are, so don't depend on others to lead you; 8) take chances! Push the edges of the envelope out all the time. Experiment and always be brave, take risk; 9) the most important thing, discipline; 10) welcome competition, share success. Now go out there and enjoy life.
Women's International Center is privileged to present the International Legacy Award to Pieter-Dirk Uys, a true Renaissance Man.
Dr. Marianne McDonald is sponsoring Pieter-Dirk Uys' appearance at Living Legacy Awards 2000. Women's International Center is grateful to Dr. McDonald for her continuing commitment to WIC in bringing excellent individuals to the Living Legacy Awards.
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