Wilhelm Disbergen - Scenographer
Wilhelm Disbergen is a prolific theatre and corporate event designer. After obtaining his MA in Dramatic Art, he spent three years in London. During this period he designed nine full-scale productions including Salome and Metropolis Kabarett (directed by Henry Goodman for the Royal National Theatre).
Back in South Africa, he co-designed the Sun City Extravaganza Afro-Dizzia, and ten major productions for the Market Theatre. Highlights include Guga Mzimba (directed by Fiona Ramsay), and Aint Misbehavin’ (directed by artistic director Malcolm Purkey).
Other directors he has worked with include Neels Hansen, Bongani Linda, Tu Nokwe, Martin Schönberg, and Clair Stopford.
Recently, he designed In den Beginne in Amsterdam. For the opera stage, he has designed the critically acclaimed Lucia di Lammermoor and Don Giovanni. For dance, he designed the Jozi Dance Co.’s seasons at UJAC and at the Tesson Theatre in 2007.
Corporate events include Wesbank’s Car of the Year, and major road shows for South African Breweries and Standard Bank. Silent Voice, his collaboration with director Aubrey Sekhabi (artistic director of the State Theatre Pretoria), will be touring Canada in 2009, with a season at the Market Theatre in Nov/Dec 2008.
Recent productions, Biko and Waiting have now finished in Grahamstown. Biko is currently performing at the State Theatre. A brand new musical The Rain Queen with a cast of 50, has just finished at the State Theater, but will be revived again in 2009.
A musical based on the life of Winnie Mandela, is currently in development and scheduled to open in 2009.
A Selection of Some Design Work
Aint Misbehavin
Lucia di Lammermoor
Don Giovanni
Mario Lanza
Wesbank COTY
On the Death of Ken Saro-Wiwa
