Arts community mourns theatre legend Philander

Namibia’s arts sector is in mourning following the death of veteran playwright, director and arts activist Freddie Philander.

He has been hailed a towering figure in Namibian theatre, and is remembered for his commanding stage presence, bold creative choices, and relentless commitment to nurturing young talent.

Playwright and actor Severius Majiedt has paid a heartfelt tribute, saying: “Freddie Philander is no more. A legend of the Namibian stage and an exceptional artist, his booming voice has fallen silent. He took his final bow, and the curtain has closed on his life. He was a man of great stature, both in body and spirit, a man with presence, as the English would say. He could fill an empty room with just his presence.”

Majiedt remembers Philander not only for his work as a performer, but also as a builder of the country’s theatre landscape.

“He was a foundational force in our theatre world. You could hear him coming from afar, that stage voice he carried with such pride. I remember him and his drama team from Jan Jonker school, organising drama competitions and igniting in us a love for the stage.”

Known for speaking his mind, Philander was often at the centre of passionate debates, but never held grudges.

“He said what he wanted, when he wanted, which often led to big arguments. But shortly afterwards, it was as if nothing happened,” Majiedt says.

Philander broke boundaries on stage. He was part of some of the earliest provocative productions in Namibian theatre, including the country’s first nude scene, which left audiences stunned. Through his group, Committed Artist, he set stages alight with bold and groundbreaking work.

“Freddie Philander was my friend. Speaking of him in the past tense still feels unreal,” says Majiedt. “His familiar greeting, ‘Yes, ‘jong’! whenever he called, and his fast goodbye, ‘Okay and bye’ will stay with me. On Saturday afternoon, he said it one last time: ‘Okay and bye’, and that was his final goodbye.”

Philander died on Saturday afternoon after a heart attack.

Tributes have poured in from across the creative sector.

Poet and dramatist Kubbe Russoel wrote on Facebook: “My great friend, Freddie. The great voice of the theatre has finally gone quiet. You will always be remembered, my artistically gifted friend.”

Veteran actor Hazel Hinda added: “The wonder of the artist is that they don’t simply leave quietly, because the work lives on.”

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