Now entering its sixth year, the Open Book Festival has become a staple cultural event amongst the local and international literary scene. The Festival has previously been shortlisted at the London Book Fair Excellence Awards in the category of Literary Festivals, and last year it was attended by almost 10 000 people.
Between 7 and 11 September bibliophiles and writers of every description will gather for book launches, readings, performances, workshops and panel discussions, all scattered amongst various venues, including the Fugard Theatre (the Festival’s main hub), the Book Lounge, and the District Six Homecoming Centre.
Two popular features can be expected, these being Poetica, the poetry-centred portion of the Festival, and the Comics Fest, for comic book and animation fanatics. There is also a Youth Fest for younger readers.
To give you a sense of the Open Book Festival’s variety, here are five events scheduled over its four-day duration. If one of them floats your literary or artistic boat, then feel free to tag along.
TRC Revisited
Journalist Pippa Green will be chairing a discussion on the TRC in the context of contemporary SA. Joining her will be former National President of the non-violent resistance organisation the Black Sash, Mary Burton; director of Clarity Editorial, Palesa Morudu; and current UCT post-graduate student, Sibabalwe Gcilitshana.
OF NOTE
When Thursday 8 September at 2 pm
Where The Fugard Theatre, Corner of Caledon and Lower Buitenkant streets, District Six
Cost R45
Contact +27 21 461 4554 (Fugard), www.openbookfestival.co.za
Afropunks
Non-fiction and amateur film-maker Bongani Madondo and American cultural and political writer Greg Tate talk to editor of Chimurenga magazine, Ntoni Edjabe, about writing on black culture.
OF NOTE
When Friday 9 September at noon
Where Fugard Annexe 2, 23 Harrington Street, District Six
Cost R45
Contact +27 21 461 4554 (Fugard), www.openbookfestival.co.za
Comics Fest Workshop: Life Journeys
This masterclass focuses on exploring various tools and techniques one can use to capture his or her life journey on paper. It will be held by three comic artists: Réunion-based Hippolyte, South Africa’s Su Opperman and Germany’s Kai Pfeiffer. Those attending are required to bring printed photographs and other materials from their lives.
OF NOTE
When Friday 9 September at 1 pm
Where Central Library, Corner Darling Street and Parade Street, CBD
Cost Free
Contact +27 21 444 0209, www.openbookfestival.co.za
Literary Activists
Three novelists reflect on how their creative processes are impacted by global concerns. They are Norway’s Jostein Gaarder (who will be giving his own interview during the Festival), Afghan-American Nadia Hashimi, and Cape Town’s very own Andrew Brown.
OF NOTE
When Saturday 10 September at 10 am
Where Homecoming Centre Workshop, District Six Homecoming Centre, 15 A Buitenkant Street, Zonnebloem
Cost R45
Contact +27 21 466 7200 (Homecoming Centre), www.openbookfestival.co.za
Open Book Slam
The 2016 edition of this competitive event will be judged by SA hip hop star Emile YX?; poet and founding curator of Poetica, Toni Stuart; and Dejavu Tafari, who co-owns Ntutopia Productions, a township-based production company. 6 poets feature in the Slam, including headliners Hakkiesdraad Hartman, Siphokoazi Jonas, Ashley Makue and Katleho Shoro. Music is provided by DJ Real Rozzano and MC Ziqu Pro-Found Mthethwa.
OF NOTE
When Saturday 10 September at 8 pm
Where The Fugard Theatre, Corner of Caledon and Lower Buitenkant streets, District Six
Cost R45
Contact +27 21 461 4554 (Fugard), www.openbookfestival.co.za
Photography courtesy Open Book Festival