Following on from the success of the first two events, the third edition of this festival will be celebrated at four locations around Amsterdam – Compagnie Theatre, Melkweg, Zuid-Afrika Huis and Rialto Cinema – between Friday the 8th and Sunday the 10th of April.
Naturally, the festival will focus on the Afrikaans language and culture, but will also highlight the historical ties between South Africa and The Netherlands. Three days of literature, music, film, debate, dance and drama are scheduled at the venues around Amsterdam.
Some of the highlights for the weekend include:
MUSIC:
A main theme running through the festival this year is Diversity, and this extends to the varied genres of performers. A few headliners include Jack Parrow, Likt, Francois Van Coke, Majozi, Leslie Javan and a Cape Malay Choir.
WRITERS:
The writers participating this year include Antjie Krog, Tom Lanoye, Ingrid Winterbach, and Bettina Wyngaard, to name a few.
Antjie KrogFILMS and DOCUMENTARIES:
The diverse themes spanning this year’s films and documentaries have people feeling very excited about what’s on offer – from dark, controversial offerings, to light-hearted humour, there’s something for everyone. Look forward to films like Sink, Abraham, Ballade vir ‘n Enkeling, Dis ek, Anna, Faan se trein and ‘n Man soos my Pa. Documentaries include Between the Devil and the Deep and ‘n Song vir Emily, amongst others.
DISCUSSIONS and DEBATES:
At the festival, there will be several readings and debates with international guests and speakers, as well as cultural personalities from South Africa and Namibia.
LECTURE & READINGS:
Included in the selection of readings and lectures are Michael le Cordeur presenting Mandela’s love for Afrikaans and Danie Langner presenting Afrikaans, The oldest Desert and the Youngest Language.
Tribel EchoWORKSHOPS:
Workshops include Dichten with Antjie Krog and Poetry Circle Nowhere, Muziek with Hemelbesem, Dansen with Kirven Fortuin, Codarts and New World Dance Theatre, Theater maken (for the young theatre goers) with Nicola Hanekom and a cartoon workshop.
THEATRE:
Nicola Hanekom is among the contributors.
DANCE:
Quiet Waters will be performed by Codarts, Kirvan Fortuin, New World Dance Theatre.
NETWORK MIXER:
On Saturday 9th April at 7pm, A.K.A. is organising a Networking Mixer in the Compagnie Theatre. Everyone who has a business or cultural interest in South Africa or Namibia is encouraged to attend. The goal of this mixer is to stimulate interest, expand networking possibilities and to gain more knowledge of the culture. To reserve your place, contact akaborrel@gmail.com
CATERING:
Catering is in the hands of Cafe Restaurant Tjing Tjing which, with two other South African catering companies, will bring you all the comfort food specialties from South Africa and the Bo Kaap all weekend long.
TICKETS:
An early bird ticket will cost €75. There are also day passes available for day visitors, and tickets per show are also available. Book tickets here.
For more information, press questions, or requests for interviews with the artists, contact Menno de Jong (PR) on mailto:Menno@festivalvoorhetafrikaans.nl
For donations, subsidies or sponsorship, please contact carina@festivalvoorhetafrikaans.nl
