The Voorkamerfest 2018, one of South Africa’s most unique events will return to the West Coast town of Darling with a fabulous line-up of performances in people’s homes. It will run from Friday 31 August to Sunday 2 September 2018, and is presented for the first time in association with the Fugard Theatre.
The Voorkamerfest takes place during the first weekend of spring in one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful regions in the quaint town of Darling that is also home to South Africa’s Most Famous White Woman, Tannie Evita Bezuidenhout. The event, produced by Tasha Reid and co-produced by Antoinette van Heerden, was founded in 2004 by Inge Bos and Wim Visser, and supported by founding sponsor Stichting Doen (NL) with the help of Pieter-Dirk Uys and the residents of Darling, and support from various businesses in Darling.
Voorkamerfest 2018 line-up
2018 marks the 13th festival, a vibrant multiple genre showcase of cross cultural theatre, music, dance and comedy, performed by South African and international artists. In previous years, the Voorkamerfest has hosted performers from the UK, Holland, Belgium, France, Surinam, India, Zimbabwe, Angola, Algeria, Canada, and Switzerland. This year, audiences can look forward to performances by several talented companies, ensembles and individuals, such as Jazzart, Nylon Dance Company, Jitsvinger and The Buckfever Underground.
What sets this festival apart is that audiences don’t know exactly which shows they’ll be seeing until they are seated in the front rooms (voorkamers) of homes spread throughout the community. There are seven colour-coded routes from which to choose, each offering three shows in three houses. Minibus taxis ferry patrons from Evita se Perron to venues that range from grand old Cape Dutch manors to RDP houses, where local hosts receive visitors a warm Darling welcome, and performances take place in a natural, warm environment.
Evita se Perron forms the festival hub with a daily outdoor market co-ordinated by I love Yzer, offering local crafts and fare. An open air concert in Darling East will bring the festival to a close on the final day and is free for all.
1 weekend, 21 shows, 60 performers – this is an event not to be missed.
What: Voorkamerfest 2018
Where and when: Darling from Friday 31 August to Sunday 2 September 2018.
Book: bookings@voorkamerfest-darling.co.za and Quicket
How does it work: Routes are scheduled for 5pm on Friday, 12pm and 5pm on Saturday and 12pm on Sunday. Tickets can be pre-booked and collected at the box office in the Evita se Perron piazza area and guests are advised to arrive an hour before taxis depart for the shows. Tickets cost R200pp on Friday and R250pp on Saturday and Sunday
WS
