Franschhoek Literary Festival back after two years
AFTER a break of two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Franschhoek Literary Festival is back in a reinvented format in the Boland town from today until May 15.
While no festival took place last year, organisers were busy planning and in 2021, a new board was formed by donors and volunteers to revive the much loved festival.
First thing first – in line with Covid-19 precautions, attendance at all this year’s events is conditional on showing proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative Covid-19 test result (PCR or rapid antigen) less than 72 hours old.
Tickets will not be refunded if the above compulsory conditions are not met.
Now that is out of the way, one of the joys of the festival is that all the village venues, big and small are within a few minutes walk of each other, creating a vibrant ambience in streets abuzz with book lovers.
Starting each day at 10am and winding up at 5pm, the daily smorgasbord of all things literary on which you can feast sees up to nine one-hour events running concurrently with half an hour between each.
And talking about feasting, Franschhoek is not known as the food and wine capital of the Cape for nothing; so when you have a break between book events take the time to sample some of the diverse food at the plethora of eateries lining the village main road and further afield.
Fringe events include writing workshops and discussion groups, theatre performances, contemporary and classical music concerts and special dinner events with chefs of the Franschhoek Valley.
To whet your appetite here are just
a few of the discussions that will be taking place:
TODAY:
Jackie Phamotse talks to Deon Meyer (The Dark Flood) about his new thriller and creative process – from the seed of the idea to the last edit.
Adriaan Basson grills political trainspotters Ralph Mathekga (The ANC’s Last Decade) and Qaanitah Hunter (Eight Days in July) on the possible future of the governing party.
Best-selling publisher and author Melinda Ferguson joins Terry Angelos (White Trash) and Robert Hamblin (Robert) to dissect their sensational memoirs, which share a backdrop of underworlds and inner worlds, transgressions and transitions.
Sara-Jayne Makwala King digs deep with two writers of fiercely honest memoirs of personal crisis: Shana Fife (Ougat: From A Hoe Into A Housewife & Then Some) and Nompumelelo Runji (How I Took Back my Power).
TOMORROW:
Malcolm Ray talks to Ismail Lagardien about his memoir Too White to be Coloured, Too Coloured to be Black – and the need for a new and believable South African dream.
Join Ferguson for a two-hour livewriting memoir workshop. Get tips on how to improve your personal writing as well as insights into the publishing scene in South Africa. Bring a notebook and pen. Space is limited.
SUNDAY:
Join the number one best-selling cookbook author, The Lazy Makoti, for tea and cake and tips on how to entertain in energy-efficient style.
Fellow wine farmers and former Springboks Dugald Macdonald (Ja-Nee) and Schalk Burger Snr (Just A Moment) uncork some vintage rugby showdowns with sports writer Luke Alfred.
For more details and bookings go to webtickets and https:// www.flf.co.za/ or:https://www. flf.co.za/events/?Y=2022&D=2.