Drama and Production Studies Senior lecturer Dr Pamela Tancsik bowed out at the end of September after years of training actors. She joined the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in 2010 as a part-time lecturer and in 2012 was made permanent. 

Dr Tancsik has a master’s and PhD in theatre history from Germany’s Ludwig- Maximilians-University of Munich. She is an experienced researcher in German/Austrian and South African music history. She also holds a diploma in social work with a speciality in art therapy and a certificate in Health pedagogy for Yoga and Ayurveda. 

For more than 30 years, she has worked as a professional puppeteer, stage director and theatre practitioner.  Since joining DUT, Dr Tancsik has specialised in teaching Educational Theatre. She and her students recently staged an educational performance on climate change at Glenwood High School. Learners from the high school were able to engage with the students on ways in which the public can respond to climate change.

“I have all the optics in my office, including the puppets, props, etc. I taught theatre history for second and third years, communication technique voice, make-up in the beginning and acting techniques, monologues and of course, I did many productions. I took two educational plays for different age groups to schools every year and directed a departmental production. “My community outreach programme covered many burning topics, such as HIV, substance abuse, human trafficking, and many more,” she said.

Dr Tancsik mentioned that being part of the Drama and Production Studies Department was roller-coaster. There were ups and downs, including the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with significant changes. They suddenly had to teach from home, and she says it was a challenging transformation. However, in 2021, she and her students held their first online theatre production called Krotoa. 

She also mentioned that the Courtyard Theatre, synonymous with the Drama department, is still a big name that past and current students are proud to be associated with.  

Dr Tancsik has contributed to the crafting careers of many, some of whom have become big names in the entertainment industry. After leaving DUT, she is relocating to her continent of birth and hopes to continue working that side. 

“I plan to return to Europe, where I am originally from. I am still unsure when I will leave because I need to find work there first. My long-term plan is to sell my house and live back in Europe,” said Dr Tancsik.

Pictured: Dr Pamela Tancsik

Sthembile Ndlovu