It was all ‘La Vida Local’ during the Plett Arts Festival 2020
The Plett ARTS Festival went ahead against all odds this year – the national state of disaster, funding needs, the lack of live audience participation and the greatly missed loyal Plett ARTS festival supporters who come to Plett during the winter months.
“I can’t say thank you enough to Plett Tourism for giving me an opportunity to do a recital with one of the most amazing music lecturers and concert performers in South Africa, voice coach, pianist and soprano, Dr Lisa Engelbrecht. It was nerve wracking, but three rehearsals and a complete run- through the day before our two shows, made me confident enough to pull off two different programmes. Singing is what I love most in my life and it gives me a purpose and a drive to live on this difficult earth where people my age are not considered employable. At least on stage, I don’t worry about such,” said Mike Bathande Bhayibhile (Plett Arts Festival performer).
The WC government marketing and investment agency, Wesgro, stepped up and made funding available for virtual events in order to stimulate the events sector during COVID-19, and Plett Tourism was one of the fortunate recipients. All in all, ten shows performed by Plett local artists hummed across cyberspace to fans in South Africa and worldwide to celebrate the Plett ARTS Festival.
The performances were recorded and are now available free of charge, to view on demand, on the Plett Tourism website. On the viewing sites, there is an opportunity to make voluntary donations towards the sustainability and future of the Plett ARTS Festival, and a portion of donations will be paid to the artists.
Music, in the House, Rap, Jazz, Popular/Folk and Classical genres, dominated the programme and there were two performance pieces – spoken word and a play. The wide range of superb Plett talent did not disappoint and ticket sales were good, especially when taking into consideration that for every ticket purchased, possibly a whole family is watching. Some of the shows were free performances and the contribution, time and effort of those artists who did not get paid, were appreciated.
Plett fine artists also participated and their art could be viewed on the Plett Tourism website, with pared down galleries for each, and the opportunity to connect with the artist to view more works. Cross marketing with Facebook enhanced the opportunities to view and was coordinated with live gallery displays.
So if you missed the “live” Plett ARTS Festival, please view it here and choose a show to enjoy safely at home.