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Woordfees 2007 merges landscapes
by Magdel Meyer
Have you ever wondered what would be the perfect venue for getting
together with old friends over a glass of wine while Marius Weyers
holds Anna-Mart van der Merwe in his arms? The answer is: the
Stellenbosch University Woordfees, in association with Die Burger. In
March 2007 the eighth Woordfees, with the theme Landskappe van die
Liefde (Landscapes of Love), was held. Various aspects of love were
touched upon in approximately 107 cultural events including literature,
drama, music and art exhibitions. Landscape artist Strijdom van der
Merwe depicted the Woordfees theme in the striking poster he designed
specially for the festival.
Be it the love of one's homeland, language, words, art, or of love
itself – this theme touched upon identity and how it is shaped by
different landscapes. And this is exactly what the Woordfees celebrated
by showcasing foremost authors, artists, musicians and actors: identity
and diversity in our beautiful country.
One of the new items and a highlight of this year's festival was the NB
Publishers marquee where a programme for young and old were presented –
from book launches and children's parties to an art exhibition and a
wonderful three-course meal with Mariėtte Crafford. In the beautiful
garden at Bergzicht Heerenhuys, audiences were captivated by writers,
journalists and publishers.
Other new items on the programme included the lovely art market at the
Studentekerk, a wine tent in front of the HB Thom theatre, a Woordfees
Mardi Gras, a brass band display, stalls, a funfair and a free stage on
the Braak.
In the annual Filosofiekafee competition between the authors and the
philosophers, history was made when the authors beat the philosophers
for the first time in eight years (albeit by a hair's breadth). Johan
Rademan of RSG radio was the adjudicator. Iris Bester headed the RSG
live broadcast from the Plataankafee at the Sasol Art Museum and made
sure that the rest of the country was kept informed about events in
Stellenbosch.
Shows by the likes of Coenie de Villiers, De Priester en een Kerkorrel,
Charlene Truter, Blondes, Beatles & Bach, Die Blou Kafee and many
more were enthusiastically attended and many shows were completely sold
out. More than 20 productions were sold out in advance and ticket sales
increased by 30% compared to 2006. The average attendance figure was
approximately 75%.
The annual WOW (Words Open Worlds) day was as usual held in the
Wilcocks building, with approximately 750 learners attending workshops
on dictionary usage, creative writing and journalistic skills.
Next year's theme for the Woordfees on 3–9 March 2008 focuses on
get-togethers: So is ons tafel gedek (Thus our table is laid). And what
better place to get together during the Woordfees than at De Akker?
With or without old friends, loved ones and family.
We'll see you next year at Stellenbosch University – proud landscape of the Woordfees.
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Main picture: Victor Fredericks and Charles Louw share their love of
Diana Ferrus during the production Slawestories on the beautiful
historical farm Muratie.
Top right: WOW learners at one of the workshops in the Wilcocks building.
Centre right: Katinka Heyns and Anna-Mart van der Merwe during a
special breakfast where festival-goers could rub shoulders with some of
the big names in theatre.
Below right: Mariėtte Crafford with the Botha sisters after a
discussion of her new book, Sonskynkafee, a travel document of stories,
food and memories of the time she and her children lived in Kakamas.
Guests could also enjoy a three-course meal based on recipes from
Sonskynkafee.
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