The possibility of a third wave of Covid-19 in South Africa has added to the uncertainty surrounding the format of this year’s Woordfees.
This was according to Babette Viljoen, co-owner of BO produksies.
Due to Covid-19, no one knows what will happen, stated Ingrid Howard, owner of the Drostdy Theatre. “We are holding our breaths,” she said.
The director of Toyota SU Woordfees, Saartjie Botha, wrote in Die Burger, on 22 April, that this year’s Woordfees is set to take place from 17 September to 24 September.
“We can only have a festival if the safety of the artists and audiences are ensured, and if the offering is financially viable,” wrote Botha at the time.
Discussions on this year’s planned festival were currently underway, Danie Marais, marketing and communications manager for Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Woordfees, told MatieMedia.
“We are currently busy with complex discussions with sponsors, as well as other important roleplayers,” said Marais.
He said that more information would be shared as soon it was available.
The Erfurt House serves as the head office of the Toyota SU Woordfees coordinators and team. PHOTO: Heléne Leonard
Woordfees has a considerable impact on Stellenbosch, as it benefits multiple sections of the community, according to Howard.
“Woordfees has a domino effect. It impacts not only the artists and theatre owners, but stretches from guesthouse owners to the guy outside, asking for a R5 to watch over cars,” said Howard.
During Woordfees 2020, BO produksies worked together with Grethe van der Merwe, a performing artist, and Hilandi du Toit, a guitarist, to create the production, ALTEmit Acapella. PHOTO: Supplied/Liezel Botha
Some artists are hesitant to spend time and money on producing new content for shows when the reopening of arts festivals might not take place, according to Viljoen.
“The arts in general has grown poorer because of the fact that it cannot continue as it did in the past,” she added.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of the arts in society has not been recognised, claimed Howard.
Babette Viljoen, co-owner of BO produksies, describes the type of audience that the Toyota SU Woordfees attracts, and how it has affected the poetry and music she produces.
“The arts speak against injustice in our society. Once theatres are not there any longer…then only people will realise and miss their importance,” said Howard.
Arts festivals serve and supplement the arts, especially when new productions are created, according to Viljoen.
“Our shows focus on written words, and mixing it with sound and music. Woordfees has a specific audience who supports these kinds of productions,” she added.