in History
One man steps out of the chorus and into history
In ancient Athens, Thespis of Icaria became the first recorded person to portray a character on stage, stepping out of the chorus to speak as an individual. This revolutionary act, which earned him the title 'Inventor of Tragedy,' gave birth to the art of acting itself. Every actor who has ever taken a stage owes their craft to this single, daring moment of theatrical innovation.
South Africa's rugby general takes the field
In Aliwal North, South Africa, Benjamin Osler was born with the tactical mind and boot accuracy that would make him South African rugby's most influential fly-half. Playing for both Western Province and the Springboks, he pioneered a kicking-based game plan that dominated international rugby in the late 1920s and early 1930s, forever changing how the position was played.
The first episode of Doctor Who, the world's longest-running science fiction television show, was broadcast on BBC.
The first episode of Doctor Who, the world's longest-running science fiction television show, was broadcast on BBC television, starring William Hartnell as the first incarnation of the title role.