Robin Malan was a tireless advocate of South African theatre who helped to take the country’s stories to worldwide stages, according to tributes that followed his death last week.
The well-known Pinelands author, editor, playwright and actor died on Wednesday September 18. He was 84.
Malan, who was born in Johannesburg, was also the founder of Junkets Publishers, in 2005. It has published 62 individual play scripts, 10 of which are the winners of the annual Zabalaza Theatre Festival run by the Baxter Theatre Centre (“Publisher wins theatre award,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, June 2020).
Malan’s long-time friend, Anne Schlebusch, says he studied English and drama at UCT.
“His teaching career kicked off at Cape Town High where his legendary theatre work brought the school a stellar reputation for lively and avant-garde productions – both of Shakespeare and of modern works.”
Malan went into exile in 1978 following the death of Steve Biko, and he relocated to Mbabane in then Swaziland. He was head of English and later deputy principal at Waterford Kamhlaba World College.
“What brought Robin back to Cape Town was both the new status of South Africa and a heart attack he had had. It was time to pour his time and energy into building the new South Africa,” said Ms Schlebusch.
In a statement, Artscape Theatre described Malan as a beloved figure in the arts community and a tireless advocate for South African theatre, saying, “Robin’s contributions to our institution and the world of literature are immeasurable.”
According to Artscape, Malan played a pivotal role in getting many of its dramas workshopped and published, taking South African stories to stages around the world.
The Baxter Theatre said Malan was a passionate and ardent supporter of the arts in all its forms.
The Triangle Project, which fights for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, said Malan had supported the organisation for more than 20 years, making him its longest serving volunteer.
“Robin Malan we thank you for your selfless service, for the countless hours on the helpline and for running a group for gay men. You were a man of many talents, not least amongst them was your care and compassion,” said a statement from the organisation.
Malan published more than 20 books over five decades. They include Worldscapes: A Collection of Verse (1997), Yes, I am! : Writing by South African gay men (2010), Being here: Modern short stories from Southern Africa (1994), and Rebel Angel (2005).
As an editor of the annual English Alive poetry anthology series, he helped to promote up-and-coming poets.
The current editor of English Alive, Twanji Kalula, said it had been a great honour to be chosen by Malan to replace him as editor in 2016.
“With each edition, I always worried about making sure he wouldn’t regret his choice. I respected his opinions deeply,” he said.
Long-time friend Robert van der Valk said he had known Malan from the days when Malan had taught him at Cape Town High School.
“He was my mentor, my teacher and close friend,” he said.
