Displays of brilliance at Knysna Arts Festival
Bookings for shows on the performing arts programme at this year’s Knysna Arts Festival have opened – and tickets are selling fast.
Festival manager Owen Roberts said that the event, which runs from October 1 to 9, has attracted more than 90 different shows, exhibitions, outings, and presentations.
“Of course the visual arts play the prominent role in the festival programme as a whole, but we’re watching the development of the performing arts programme with interest because of the quality of the shows it’s beginning to attract – and because it’s emerging as a platform for new talent with big dreams,” he said.
“And while Marc Lottering’s single-handed comedy Hash Tag Lottering! is expected to be a highlight on the line-up, I urge you to go through the schedule carefully because we’ve got some real gems in store.”
Rose Red
Dianne Simpson’s long-running, one-woman cabaret Rose Red is billed as more than just a retelling of the story of Snow White from the perspective of her stepmother, the Wicked Queen; it’s a deeply considered look at an often unexamined side of the human condition.
“Where did the Wicked Queen come from, why did she become who she was, and why does she do the things she does?” posited Di. “In contrast to her, Snow White is the quintessential Disney character – but is she really a role model?
“Should we all be singing to the birds and the animals, all just so wonderfully happy? Or is there something to admire in the Wicked Queen? After all, everyone has a light side – but the light can’t exist without the dark, and we wouldn’t be able to recognise the one without the other.
“Very few people take the time to see the other person’s point of view. This is something I feel very passionate about, and it’s the real message that I want to get out in Rose Red,” she said.
With songs by Tori Amos, Coldplay, Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Sarah McLachlan and others, Rose Red will play at the Montessori School amphitheatre on Monday and Thursday October 3 and 6.
Hornlee Talent Contest
The annual Hornlee Talent Contest, which is open to anyone between 12 and 18 and years old, and will take place at the Rhema Christian Faith Mission in Hornlee on Saturday, October 8, is expected to deliver even higher quality than it did last year.
Organiser Michael Smith of Sinethemba – which aims to help at-risk children to make better choices that will affect their futures – said that the show will be the culmination of a series of auditions at various schools in the district.
“We’re hoping to find talented youngsters who we can help to develop so that this year’s winners will go onto the festival’s main programme next year,” he said. We’re also looking forward to hosting Marc Lottering, who will be our guest of honour at the opening of the event.
“Having someone of his calibre to kick the show off is going to be mind-blowing. He’s going to be a big attraction, and he’s an important role model for our youth.”
Ticket sales
Peter Mare, principal of festival chief sponsor Lew Geffen | Sotheby’s International Realty, Knysna, said that tickets for almost all of this year’s shows and fringe events are available from the festival website, www.knysnaartsfestival.co.za.
“But if you prefer to book in person, we’ll be happy to help you at Sotheby’s on Leisure Island or any of our other local offices,” he said.
Chief executive of Knysna & Partners Greg Vogt said that the decision to employ an online ticketing system came a result of the festival’s enormous growth.
“The Knysna Arts Festival’s ‘displays of brilliance’ are shining brighter and brighter, and we can’t wait to enjoy its superb line-up of art, entertainment, discussions, and outings.
“It’s a very big programme, so please keep yourself informed by visiting the website, following the hash tag #KnysnaArtsFest on Twitter, and liking Knysna Arts Festival on Facebook,” he said.
Stop press
A late addition to the programme, Cat Simoni, will present her cabaret Mad About the Boy! with songs by Cole Porter and additional material from the master of English comedy Noel Coward at the Conrad Pezula on Sunday, October 2.
High tea will be served with the midafternoon performance at 15:30, and antipasto platters with the evening show (19:30).
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News