The Ultimate Woordfees 2024 Guide for English Speakers
The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees runs from 28 September to 6 October this year. Whether your Afrikaans is fluent, shaky, limited to ‘ja-nee’ and ‘lekker’ or non-existent, there’s plenty to do, see and experience. No phrasebook needed! So here are some tips to make the most of this celebration of art, music, food and ‘geselligheid’ (sociability) regardless of what language you speak.
Theatre
The theatrical performances at Woordfees always deliver.
In particular, some highlights to look out for this year include:
– The internationally awarded South African production of Othello, Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater with Mpume Mthombeni
– Why do Moths Fly like Crazy F*@#ks in the Night? with Sue Pam-Grant
– The Return of Elvis du Pisanie with Ashley Dowds
– 32 Lavender Close with Grace Matetoa and Christie van Niekerk
– The King of Broken Things with Cara Roberts
Visual Art
Art needs no translation and many galleries and exhibitions are free to visit during the festival. See festival artist Marlene Steyn’s extraordinary work at the SU Museum on Ryneveld Street. Marlene, born in Stellenbosch, is known for her distinct dreamy and authentic landscapes that captivate viewers worldwide.
Another highlight is the annual art auction and exhibition of the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees in collaboration with Strauss & Co. It is curated by Teresa Lizamore and takes place at the Town Hall on Plein Street.
Stand-up Comedy
Some of South Africa’s top comedians bring the laughs to the Woordfees with shows that crisscross cultures and languages. Nik Rabinowitz delivers his signature humour and sharp observations about South Africa and the world – all in English. In addition, Alfred Adriaan and Marc Lottering team up for two hours of madness, hilarity and nonsense – mostly in English, with a sprinkle of Afrikaans.
EasyEquities Writers’ Festival
If you know a bit of Afrikaans, you may enjoy a range of book talks. Topics span politics, travel, memoirs, fiction, poetry and autobiographies. These discussions are held in both English and Afrikaans.
For English speakers, there are seven sessions entirely in English:
– South Africa’s Soul in the Time of Super Cadres with Pieter du Toit and Oyama Mabandla
– A Tale of Two Cities with Jaco Adriaanse
– God’s Pocket with Sven Axelrad
– Queer and Quotable with Alastair Mackay and Siya Khumalo
– Bullsh!t: 50 Fibs That Made SA with Jonathan Ancer
– How to (Un)Fck a Country* with Dr. Roy Havemann
– Ryan Sandes: Run. Risk. Reward featuring the legendary ultra-trail runner Ryan Sandes
Toyota Music Festival
The Toyota Music Festival showcases South Africa’s best contemporary music with five open-air concerts.
Experience the ‘gees’ (rollicking spirit) in performances by Neon Dreams, Matthew Mole, Emo Adams, Dr. Victor and the Rasta Rebels, BlackByrd & Elandré and Ricus Nel. Also, don’t miss the chance to hear Mandisi Dyantyis live! Ramon Alexander, Schalk Joubert, Alwyn Dyers and Melisize Plaatjie will also be performing, among others. For late-night jazz, head to Petites Bulles, where both fresh talent and legendary artists perform for free.
Classical Music
With over 35 classical music performances, Woordfees delivers a musical feast. Most shows are held at the Standard Bank Endler Hall and Fismer Hall. Expect timeless favourites like Bach, Handel and Gershwin, whose iconic Rhapsody in Blue celebrates its centenary this year with the Charl du Plessis trio.
Other highlights include:
– Bejazzle, led by piano virtuoso Nina Schumann, fusing classical music with jazz.
– Klavier-extravaganza (Piano Extravaganza) with ten pianos, twenty pianists and 200 fingers all playing in harmony.
– Sonic Place 20:24 offers a unique experience: Two short concerts – 24 minutes each – hosted in Stellenbosch homes, with a glass of wine and a short stroll between venues.
The Woordfees Discourse Programme
The Woordfees Discourse Programme sparks thought-provoking conversations on topics that matter to South Africans. From politics and science to finance and theatre-making, there’s a discussion for everyone. While some talks are in Afrikaans, many are bilingual, with several offered in English – and most are free!
Dance
Three standout productions make up this year’s dance programme:
– Gregory Maqoma bids farewell with his final performances of Exit / Exist.
– LAMTA’s latest show, Hollywood transports audiences into a world of glamour and complexity, choreographed by the country’s top talents.
– The award-winning Set in Motion by the Figure of 8 Dance Collective explores the inner and outer forces that pull us in opposing directions, leaving us feeling trapped in life’s unexpected twists.
Where to Find the Programme
Get your free festival guide at most Exclusive Books stores to plan your visit. The full programme is also available to download in English and Afrikaans at woordfees.co.za. And tickets are available at quicket.co.za.
