THE programme for the Karoo Writers’ Festival (July 19-22) was announced at Schreiner House in Cradock last week.
“It’s a line-up we are proud to offer – thanks to speakers coming in from near and far,” said organiser Lisa Ker. “Strong themes in the programme offer a wide variety of choice to all who love reading, writing and the Karoo.”
The festival falls on the anniversary of the Cradock Four funeral (July 20, 1985) and this is honoured in the programme.
The JA Calata choir will sing in the Moederkerk on July 19. On July 20, Lukhanyo and Abigail Calata will launch their book, My Father Died for This.
Lukhanyo is the son of Fort Calata, one of the Cradock Four, martyrs of the Struggle.
Cradock writer, academic and arts entrepreneur Guy Butler was born 100 years ago and his life and work is celebrated with a reading of his work and two talks, one by Beth Wyrill from the National English Literary Museum and the other by his colleague and friend, Professor Malvern van Wyk Smith.
UK academic Jade Munslow Ong will take a fresh look at Olive Schreiner’s writing in the light of African postcolonialism.
Animal studies in literature are the connecting interest in talks by Grahamstown poet Dan Wylie and UK academic Matthew Whittle.
Audiences can once again look forward to open microphone sessions at the close of each day.
Friday afternoon is devoted to young poets and their coaches who will have worked together on the Thursday.
The workshop (in partnership with the AVBOB Poetry Project) is augmented by an extensive schools programme presented by the National English Literary Museum. Several junior schools will encourage their learners to dress up as favourite characters from storybooks.
The evergreen literary walking tour offers a chance to stretch the legs.
The premiere of a new play by Tony Jackman is scheduled for Friday evening.
Saturday’s programme is presented in conjunction with a food and crafts market at The Shed precinct. Speakers include Cradock poet Clinton V. du Plessis, Martin Welz (editor of Noseweek magazine), writer Terry Bell, and novelist Joanne Richardson. She will offer a creative writing course in Cradock on July 19.
Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit will launch their new book (Moving to the Platteland – Life in Small Town South Africa) at cocktail hour.
Toast Coetzer’s band, The Buckfever Underground is the band in residence and they will perform on Friday and Saturday evenings.
On Sunday July 22, the party moves out to Buffelshoek Dirosi Lodge. Trips up to the Schreiner Sarcophagus will be offered (pre-booking), in addition to a presentation by Toast Coetzer, as well as a launch of Errol (EK) Moorcroft’s new book, The Wool Classer, the Shearer and the Golden Fleece.
It is hoped to screen historic video footage of Etienne van Heerden and Guy Butler in conversation at the Sarcophagus.
For more info, keep an eye on the Schreiner Karoo Writers’ Festival facebook page and website.