FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS, LOWLIGHTS AND MISSES

How was festival for you? The compiler of the Makhanda This Week column went out to see what local residents and festival goers from across the country thought of the 48th National Arts Festival, what they enjoyed, what they did not enjoy, and what they missed from previous festivals. Here’s what they had to say:

A Makhanda CBD businessman exclaimed that he could well imagine that “load shedding was leading the pack of lows this festival”. He said for him personally there was a distinct lack of the traditional festival vibe around town. “For the first time in 48 years, there were no flags flying proudly from the masts on the Monument roof, for which the powers-that-be scored a solid nil.”

The long-standing resident said on the plus-side, however, Makhandans had not had to contend with producers plastering buildings with scores of posters. “I believe we all knew from the outset that this year would be low-key compared to previous years given the whole Covid matter, and we look forward to the 50th festival.” A Sunnyside resident agreed that the postCovid festival did seem smaller overall this year, “but it’s still got the spirit”. Nevertheless she did miss some aspects of past festivals, one of them being the cordoned-off Church Square and all the African crafts and paintings for sale. “I’ve bought a few paintings there over the years. The Malawians bring rolled-up canvases and mount them on makeshift wooden frames here,” she enthused. Another Makhandan said she missed the Cairo schawarma food truck that was always parked on the western side of Church Square. “The Egyptian guy was always a character while he made your schawarmas with his wife. The big coffee tent at the Village Green was also missing this year their cakes were really nice.” A trader in quality leather boots, shoes, belts and bags who lives along the Garden Route and has traded at the Village Green during festival time on multiple occasions was very impressed with the vigilance, help and courteous manner of the Hi-Tec Security guards assigned to the Green. He said support from festival goers and fellow traders was “really great”, and his sales this year set a new record for him. “It was a really great festival, and the camaraderie was amazing,” he said. An instantly recognisable and wellknown Makhandan figure said she was “completely in awe at the performance of Hamlet in the Rhodes Theatre where the show went on against all odds”.

And, she said, it was wonderful to have the Village Green back. “It’s such a treat to see the amazing things people are selling.” But, she concluded excitedly, the biggest highlight of the 2022 festival was “just the fact that it happened”.

A drama teacher from Cape Town said one of her favourite shows was Asinamali, a musical drama with the actors all women, which she described as having excellent energy and impact. Another show was that by Sbya Vuma Levin ll which formed part of the Jazz Festival and had “amazing arrangements and collaboration of artists”.

The Capetonian said of the family show Betti & the Yeti, relating the story of young Betiswa (Betti) and how she overcame her fears and befriended the lovable Yeti: “It was wonderful to see children enjoying live theatre good for the future.”

Her friend, also from Cape Town, said The Long Table “pop-up” restaurant in St George’s Hall was an “iconic festival experience”, and she enjoyed “the best lamb curry” at the Village Green, while the food from Jack’s Bagels, also in the Village Green, impressed her as well. She said it was “wonderful to be back at the festival after so long”.

A Makhanda resident said he was “pretty pleased” that no festival trading took place on CBD pavements, as was the case at previous festivals. “Dozens of traders used to block the sidewalks at least now we can walk freely there.”

FESTIVAL BRIEFS

An undisputed fact is that, all-round, the 2022 National Arts Festival turned out to be smaller than pre-Covid festivals, from the Main and Fringe to the Village Green and Church Square markets.

For financial reasons the usual printed programme comprising a couple of hundred pages was replaced by a comprehensive and fully-informative online programme.

After 24 years, Standard Bank withdrew its sponsorship and no longer supports the Jazz Festival, but continues to support the broader festival.

Two decided “plus factors” for this festival were that venues could operate at 100% capacity, and that the wearing of face masks was not compulsory.

Causing much discontent among artists, traders, musicians, festival goers, accommodation establishment providers and backroom staff was the loadshedding that jumped unceremoniously to stage 4 during the early days of festival, and then suddenly to stage 6. No doubt this caused near-chaos all over “Festival City”. One festival goer said: “We didn’t expect this!”

The Village Green food court was one of the busiest and buzziest hangouts in town during festival, with a huge variety of food on offer at the food trucks and stalls. The aromas emanating from them was “like crazy”, according to a visitor. And, one-time owner of local Chinese restaurant Dragon Pearl years ago, Gary Junkin, was back at the festival for the umpteenth time, making the trip from Gauteng to operate his Chinese food stall.

The National Arts Festival (NAF) wrapped up the 2022 arts extravaganza with these words: “What a feeling to see live arts reunited in Makhanda, with full audience capacity back. A true celebration! Thank you to the artists, our audiences, and especially those behind the scenes at NAF who made it all possible. Until we meet again.”

BLOOD KEEPS FLOWING

SA National Blood Service head of donor relations for the Eastern Cape, Elize Scheepers, has thanked Makhanda blood donors for their ongoing support, and braving the cold, to donate their units. “Thank you, Makhanda we cannot continue on our mission of being trusted to save lives without you,” she said. During June, 107 units of blood were collected at the NG Kerk hall in Hill Street where the next donor clinic will be from 12 noon to 6pm on Tuesday, July 12.

FORMER BURSAR DIES

Former Kingswood College pupil, later bursar and business manager at the school, Steve Gardner, died on June 26 with his family at his side. He joined the Kingswood staff in 2006 and retired at the end of 2020. Gardner had a passion for sailing and golf, and was a member of Royal Port Alfred Golf Club. The Old Kingswoodian Club honoured him in 2021 by naming the trophy for the champion OK golfer at the annual Port Alfred golf day the Steve Gardner Trophy.

ICE COLD IN THE GREY

As Polar Plunge founder 19 years ago, George Euvrard yelled the words “Into the Light”, so about 20 intrepid, yet shivering, swimmers entered the icy waters of Grey dam a fortnight ago for the 2022 rendition of the event to welcome the Winter Solstice. Organising club for the 2022 Polar Plunge was the Rotary Club of