Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
National Arts Festival all set to wow
South Africa’s premier annual arts showcase will have something for everyone, writes WENDYL MARTIN
GRAHAMSTOWN is all but booked out as lovers of the arts from across the country descend on the Eastern Cape town for South Africa’s showpiece gathering of all things arty – the National Arts Festival. The Makana municipality, which adminsters Grahamstown and surrounds, and the town’s food and hospitality facilities have been hard at work preparing the town for the annual celebration of South Africa’s creative talent.
When the festival opens on Thursday the tiny town will be adorned with production posters and donkeys will make way for many more cars.
The 11-day festival presents more than 600 productions, and international scouts are expected to be doing the rounds.
It is the last festival for artistic director Ismail Mahomed, who said this year’s programme features works “relevant, interesting and sometimes heartbreaking”.
“It’s a showcase for some of the extraordinary talent we have in South Africa right now and I urge festival-goers to see as much as they possibly can,” he said.
Festival chief executive Tony Lankester said trying to select festival highlights was like asking a parent of 700 children who was their favourite.
“The programme is jam-packed with amazing shows.
“And the beauty of the festival is that whatever your taste, you will find something on the programme that will blow you away.”
Show highlights include dance and puppetry piece The Firebird and the premiere of Baxter Theatre chief executive Lara Foot’s The Inconvenience of Wings.
Some music performances have already sold out, including those by Afro-pop star Ringo Madlingozi and rapper AKA.
Lankester said the festival contributed about R340 million to the gross domestic product of the Eastern Cape.
“This contribution is felt most strongly by the tourism industry. Hundreds of people find part-time employment during the festival, and many businesses in Grahamstown regard the period as their Christmas’ busy period, which sees them through the quieter months.”
He said the weekends were the busiest period, with day visitors pouring in from Port Elizabeth and East London.
Those who opted to stay in the area visited for an average of two to three days.
The town offers a variety of accommodation options, from bed and breakfasts to school and university hostels.
“With the popularity of the festival it can be a challenge finding space. We suggest contacting one of the estate agents in town who have a number of rentals available for the festival period. Staying in a house – especially if you’re travelling with friends or family – is a great way to experience the festival and still have your own space. Or have a slightly different experience and stay in one of the game lodges near Grahamstown,” Lankester suggested.
Susan Waugh, director of Makana Tourism, pointed to other accommodation options.
“Grahamstown and surrounds can offer something for everyone – from selfcatering options and super township home stays to 4-star guest lodges, private game reserves, hotels, bed and breakfasts and backpackers.
Dormitory accommodation is available at certain schools and Rhodes University opens its student residences.
There is also camping space for those brave enough to camp in a tent in Grahamstown in winter at Makana Resort and on certain school fields,” she said.
The township of Joza is also abuzz during the festival, as it partners with with the Fingo Festival which provides entertainment and dialogue sessions there.
A massive street parade takes place in Joza on the last weekend.
Waugh said festival regulars booked their accommodation a year in advance.
“You can still find space during the festival at Rhodes, schools and in surrounding towns such as Bathurst, Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea. Usually shuttles operate from our coastal areas during the (festival).”
She indicated a few must-sees in Grahamstown.
“A must-visit is the Bruce Little Originals in Strowan Road, a wildlife sculptor specialising in bronze and pewter. Grahamstown is surrounded by private game reserves, and most offer festival specials. Pumba has a wonderful day safari which includes lunch.
“The Blue Flag beaches of our nearby Sunshine Coast are just a scenic 45km away and Port Alfred and Kenton-on-Sea are usually warm and sunny during July. Along the way, stop at the quirky village of Bathurst for a swig at the Pig – The Pig and Whistle – one of South Africa’s oldest pubs.”
Restaurants in town pull out the stops to cater for larger crowds.
“Most stay open late to cater to Festinos and also provide entertainment for the diners,” Waugh said.
Makana is hard at work on the infrastructure, but visitors are advised not to drink tap water.
“The municipality has worked hard to ensure electricity and water will be available.
“It is recommended to boil water for drinking, otherwise there are plenty of water outlets in the High Street and at Peppergrove Mall if one wants to purchase bottled water.
For more information visit facebook. com/nationalartsfestival on Twitter at @artsfestival or Instagram at @ nationalartsfestival. See www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.
wendyl.martin@inl.co.za