There is SO much happening at the Woordfees 2017 in Stellenbosch this year. From music to literature to fine art to comedy and more, the line-up could not be more eclectic nor exciting. WeekendSpecial has chosen some highlights from the programme – but don’t just take our word for it. Go and see for yourself!
MUSIC: Heuwels, Die Manne en die Big Band Jol
Music producer: Janine Neethling
Band: Die Woordfees Big Band under the baton of Mike Campbell
With: Die Heuwels Fantasties, Coenie de Villiers and Loyiso Bala, Charl du Plessis, Brandon October, Nic Nicolaidis, Schalk Bezuidenhout, and a surprise or two.
It’s fun, elegant, classy, groovy, and big. Don’t sit Stoksielalleen under your Klein Tambotieboom and dream about Namakwaland. Rather come and Sway, Boogie Woogie under the stars!
140min
When and where: 5 March 18:30 | Coetzenburg, Stellenbosch
Book: Computicket
THEATRE/MUSICAL: Piekniek by Mpande, nee Dingaan
Original text and music: Johannes Kerkorrel and Koos Kombuis
Adapted by: Louis Roux and company
Director and lighting designer: Wolf Britz
Producer: US Woordfees
Music producer: Charl-Johan Lingenfelder
With: Nicole Holm, Dean Balie, Ludwig Binge, Ilana Cilliers, Karli Heine, Marlo Minnaar and Pierre Theron.
In 1988, the notorious cabaret, Piekniek by Dingaan, left the Afrikaans establishment choking on their coffee. This seminal protest piece deeply changed the landscape of Afrikaans arts. Sacred cows were slaughtered; blood was spilt. Alternative Afrikaans music was given wings by the Voëlvry Movement whose musicians were banned from campuses countrywide. Verwoerd’s grandchildren aimed a big, fat middle finger at the safari-outfit-brigade and the tannies with dolled-up hair – it’s the closest South Africa ever came to sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll.
Today, South Africa is a different place. Or is it? Blood is still being spilt. Sacred cows are well-fed and grazing unperturbed in the green, green pastures of KwaZulu-Natal. Come and listen to the new generation’s protest as rocks come raining down on our campuses and in our streets.
90min |
When and where: 6 March 20:30; 7 March 17:00; 7 March 20:30; 11 March 17:30; 11 March 20:30 | Rhenish Girls High School, Stellenbosch
Book: Computicket
COMEDY: Vokbesit – Schalk Bezuidenhout
Producer: Erns Grundling
With: Schalk Bezuidenhout
After the success of Lewendig last year, this curly-haired comedian returns with his jerseys and witty tongue in a brand new one man show. Come and listen to him poke fun at himself and us as he leads many a sacred cow to the abattoir. Book now, the tickets will be selling out faster than you can say “Holy Voksbesit!”
70min |
When and where: 11 March 2017, 21:00 | ATKV Book Tent, Stellenbosch
Book: Computicket
MUSIC: Francois van Coke
He started out in Fokofpolisiekar, then Van Coke Cartel and then broke iTunes with Toe Vind ek Jou, which he performed with Karen Zoid. More recently he released his solo-album. At the Woordfees, the older and wiser Francois takes us on a musical journey where we experience his growth as a musician.
70 min |
When and where: 11 March 17, 18:30 | Jan Marais Nature Reserve
Book: Computicket
DRAMA: Wild
Script, production and direction: Philip Rademeyer
Designer: Rocco Pool
With: Joanie Combrink, Albert Pretorius and Tinarie van Wyk Loots
In a plattelandse town, a policeman discovers a filthy, emaciated young woman who can’t speak and who walks around on all fours. She is wild, raised by dogs, and he decides to give her a dog name: Vlooi (Flea). He tries to teach her how to be human while searching for her family to discover how she became an animal. Wild asks questions about the nature of being human, about language and communication, identity and socialising, family and human relationships.
75 min |
Where and when: 8 March 15:00; 11 March 10:00; 12 March 13:00; 12 March 17:00 |Hoërskool Cloetesville, Stellenbosch
Book: Computicket
MUSIC: Majozi
At the age of 13, Majozi taught himself to play the guitar before going on to study jazz and popular music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His sound is Indiefolk with subtle influences of electro, his first EP, Marvelous Light reached the ninth spot on the South African iTunes chart and he won over the fans at Oppikoppie last year.
60 min |
When and where: 6 March 2017, 13:00 | Bloekomhoek, Stellenbosch
Book: Computicket
MUSIC: Emo Adams
The charming and comical Emo invites you (and you and you!) into the joyful ride where you can enjoy, as always, his vocals, music and punchy jokes.
70 min |
When and where: 12 March 2017, 18:30 | Jan Marais Nature Reserve, Stellenbosch
Book: Computicket
DRAMA: The Fall
Writers and cast: Ameera Conrad, Oarabile Ditsele, Tankiso Mamabolo, Thando Mangcu, Sizwesandile Mnisi, Sihle Mnqwazana and Cleo Raatus
Facilitator: Clare Stopford
Cast curators: Ameera Conrad and Thando Mangcu
Set design: Patrick Curtis
Lighting design: Luyanda Somkhence
Costume design: Marisa Steenkamp
Executive producer: Lara Foot
Its honest, thought-provoking and healing response to the student movements, garnered The Fall unprecedented sold-out success and critical acclaim last year. With student protests dominating the news and agendas at universities across South Africa, this play could not be more relevant, topical or perfectly programmed.
90 min |
When and where: 9 March 15:00; 10 March 15:00; 11 March 17:00; 11 March 20:30; 12 March 10:00 | Hoërskool Cloetesville , Stellenbosch
Book: Computicket
What: Woordfees 2017
When and where: Stellenbosch, 3 – 12 March, Stellenbosch
Book: Computicket
Visit: www.woordfees.co.za
WS
