The well-known Afrikaans author and poet, whose book Country of My Skull was made into a movie starring Isabella Rossellini, turns 70 this year, and her life and work are being celebrated at a poetry festival in Wellington.
Die Tuin van Digters, affectionately known as the home of Afrikaans poetry, has been celebrating Afrikaans poetry for 11 years. The event takes place this year on 7 and 8 October 2022.
Conversational and musical items celebrating Krog’s writing and achievements are on the programme, with Krog participating in some of these discussions. Two of her children’s art will also form part of the art exhibition alongside the work of Louis Jansen van Vuuren, Judy Woodborne and many other talented and fierce artists.
The event is held in collaboration with NB Publishers at the Breytenbach Centre, a cultural centre that aims to provide both training in, and interaction with, art, music, drama and writing. The centre hosts conversations, launches and workshops, with the intention for people to be able to choose either observing or participating.
The theme this year is ‘I-am-you-are’, exploring the idea that one’s humanity is solidified through a network of relationships. The group art exhibition, Alone Together, along with various other performances investigates the theme further.
It will be a weekend full of poetry and celebrations, including the presentation of the Ingrid Jonker prize, an award for a debut collection of Afrikaans or English poetry.
Poetry will be set to music, dynamic performances, and discussions with admirable artists will occur including a performance from the Dutch poet, writer and theatre maker, Babs Gons. Philip de Vos, Adam Smalls, Frazer Barry and Loit Sôls are a few of the many creators taking part in the events of the weekend.
The tickets for Friday are R150 per person, and for Saturday are R250 per person. A two-day package is also available for R350 per person. Student prices are R100 per day.
For more information on tickets, bookings and the program, visit the website.
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Picture: Breytenbach Sentrum
