Voorkamerfest Darling

Voorkamerfest 2009

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Performers

	Amanda Strydom South Africa Naby Die veelbekroonde aktrise,skrywer,sanger en kabaret diva Amanda Strydom bring met hierdie intieme vertoning die blinkste robyne uit haar musiekskatkis na die Voorkamerfest. "Naby" is dus 'n gepaste titel vir hierdie uitvoering waarin sy liedjies sal vertolk wat haar volksbesit gemaak het. Strydom sing ballades,blues en chansons van haar bekroonde albums "Vrou by die Spieël", "Hotel Royale" , "Op 'n Klein Blou Ghoen", Verspreide Donderbuie" en "Kerse teen die Donker". Strydom het haar nuutste album, "Kerse teen die Donker", in September 2008 in die Koninklijke Carré in Amsterdam bekendgestel en vertrek weer in November vanjaar op 'n maandlange toer deur Nederland waar haar optredes gereeld met groot lof ontvang word. Strydom vier vanjaar dertig jaar in die bedryf en is bekroon met onder andere die Sama, Kanna, Alumni Laureata ( Van die Universiteit Pretoria) en Rapport /City Press Prestige toekennings.

	Avril Kinsey South Africa Avril Kinsey evoca la Guitarra Romántica Journey from Spain to Peru with classical guitarist Avril Kinsey in a delightful programme of preludes, romances, airs and dances by Llobet, Bach, Paganini, Lauro, Morel, Kinsey and others. Presented by 'The Cape Town Academy of Music' ( www.avrilkinsey.com )

	Chantal Stanfield & Rika Vermeulen South Africa Ladies First *Ladies First* seeks to remember those songs our mothers sang while making supper or plaiting our hair, pay tribute and celebrate the lives of the songstresses who made those songs famous and encourage the next generation of performers to strive for that level of excellence. Chantal Stanfield, a graduate of the University of Cape Town’s Drama School and best known for her television roles in Sewende Laan, Geraldina die Tweede and Montana, will bring these songs we grew up on back into our everyday conversations while being accompanied quite simply on piano by Rika Vermeulen. From grandparents who danced to Miriam Makeba at their wedding to the younger sister who sang Mango Groove during the state of emergency, Ladies First is a show for all generations and for those to come.

	Dan Shout South Africa THE ONION PROJECT Join Dan Shout (Johnny Clegg band) for a musical cooking show where he bakes fresh, organic songs from scratch using a Loop Station! Expect Dan to use ingredients such as the clarinet, saxophones, pennywhistles, keyboard, guitar, percussion, melody and rhythm to take you on a musical-culinary journey! DAN SHOUT ONLINE: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DANSHOUTACTIVITY WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/SAXOSHOUT WWW.JOHNNYCLEGG.COM WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/SHOUTMUSICCOMPANY

	Darling iAfrica Drama Queens South Africa 'Dink net aan Darling, darling!' (Just think of Darling, darling!) - a reality-drama written by Pieter-Dirk Uys for the Darling Africa Queens in the Voorkamerfees 2009 Pieter-Dirk Uys, a native of Darling, has written a special entertainment for the Darling Africa Queens, the local drama group that perform a new insight into their community life at each of the recent Voorkamer festivals in September. The story is as follows: a group of women in the Darling Community have decided to collect money for the development of facilities for their children and grandchildren, including a swimming pool of all. At the height of a recession radical steps must be taken. Inspired by the film 'Calender Girls', they decide to also create a calender with themsleves artistically draped - and nude - to focus on the treasures of their town: the wines, the grapes, the Nguni cattle, the food, the flowers and themselves. This leads to delightful comedy and excitement. Even though most of the play is in Afrikaans, and specifically in the local Swartland accent, all South Africans will understand the story and the dialogue. The play is directed by Frits van Ryneveld and features Ivy Johnson, Rodney du Preez, Maureen Hoop and Anna Williams

	Gary Naidoo & Chad Abrahams South Africa Let's Mix It 2.8GLX Director: Rafiek Mammon Let’s Mix It 2.8 GLX is the much-anticipated 3rd incarnation of the popular Let’s Mix It brand. After a few successful, acclaimed runs of Let’s Mix It and Let’s Mix It 2 (double the trouble twice the spice), the team is back in funnier and fresher form. It had a succesful run at the Baxter over the festive season. Back in the saddle (or should we say in the driving seat) is award-winning Talk Show host Hadji Fatgiyah Bardien (played by the inimitable Chad Abrahams) who will this time be “interviewing” her international guests in her newly-renovated lounge/studio. Regulars like the endearing, Bigger-than-Broadway Zumo wrestler (and personal trainer) Sisanda Gugushe, and the Cape Flats wonder, David Johnson both remarkably portrayed by the versatile Naidoo.

	Jonathan Nkala Zimbabwe The crossing This one-man play tells the story of Nkala’s crossing from Zimbabwe to South Africa. It is a story of survival as the intrepid traveller swims across the crocodile- infested Limpopo and experiences some bizarre encounters with locals in South Africa, the ‘the land of abundance’… funny and poignant, Nkala is a stunning performer - not to be missed. Written and performed by Jonathan Nkala, directed by Bo Petersen

	Leine The Netherlands Take this 33-year old girl. She's no longer a girl of course, but she has the same uninhibited look on life. Give her a guitar, a golden throat and buckets of charm. Et voilà: that's Leine. Leine writes about everyday life and special discoveries. She takes you on a lyrical and musical adventure filled with emotions, variety and humour. A powerful, warm voice with a jazzy twist, strong melodies and interesting compositions. "Refreshing and wayward... Leine's simply special. Period.", is what VPRO's Dutch music channel 3voor12 writes about her. In 2008 Leine appeared on National TV several times, played at different big Dutch festivals like the North Sea Jazz Festival, Oerol and Lowlands. Currently she's working on new material and her theatre show with popular Dutch poet Ingmar Heytze. Web: www.leine.nl

	Megan Chortiz & two other brilliant improvisers South Africa TheatreSports unplugged TheatreSports, Cape Town's longest running, award winning live theatre show, downsizes for this year's voorkamerfest. If you won't come to TheatresSports, we'll bring it to you. Three improvisers will start improvising and just continue, for 30 minutes. Right there. In front of your eyes. Making it up as they go along. Each show will be totally different. Give us your suggestions and we'll turn them into magic. Web: www.improvision.co.za Blog: www.meganshead.co.za Photos: Flickr

	Oleg Fateev Moldavia OLEG FATEEV is a musician and composer from Moldavie (former Russia). He assisted many artists in Europe during concerts and recording, he performers solo as well as with his own ensemble. For the Voorkamerfest he will play his own compositions (inspired by Balka music and jazz/fusion), Russian songs of Peter Letzjenko, Valdimir Vissotsky and others. Web: www.oleg.nl

	Owen Britz & Phillipus Hugo South Africa The romantic flute Darling-based flautist Owen Britz performs with acclaimed pianist Phillipus Hugo. The programme includes romantic movements and pieces from Bach and Handel to more contemporary composers celebrating the warm timbre,versatility and melodic lines of the flute as well as that of the piano. You can look forward to well-known repertoire such as Rachmaninov's Vocalise, Seguidilla by Bizet and many more. Phillipus Hugo behaal die grade B.Mus, Hons. B.Mus en M.Mus (cum laude) met klavier as uitvoerende komponent, aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch onder leiding van Juliana de Villiers. Hy maak sy debuut met die KFO op sestienjarige ouderdom. Gedurende sy studiejare tree hy verskeie kere as solis op met dir KFO, Natal Filharmoniese Orkes en die US Simfonie Orkes. Hy word as amptelike begeleier by die Hugo Lambrechts Musieksentrum aangestel; 'n pos wat hy 5 jaar lank beklee. Hierna word hy as begeleier aangestel by die US. Phillipus doen ook vryskut-begeleiding en tree gereeld op as begeleier vir eksamens en nasionale kompetisies. Behalwe begeleiding is hy ook 'n bedrewe sjef en is mede eienaar van twee restaurante op Greyton en Caledon in Die Overberg.

	Philip de Vos & Tertia Visser-Downie South Africa NOTES ABOUT PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION In 1998, Philip de Vos the award winning writer/singer/photographer was commissioned to write words to accompany The Carnival of the Animals, the well known orchestral work by Saint-Saëns. His book of verses was subsequently published in South Africa, the United States and in translated form in Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. After publication he narrated his poems with symphony orchestras with great success. In 2009 he especially wrote poems for Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky. This is a very exciting work full of dramatic, lyrical and humorous moments. The work is about 45 minutes long and consists of poems and music for the following sections: The pianist Tertia Visser-Downie who has had numerous recitals locally and abroad and who has featured as soloist with the Cape town symphony Orchestra performs the exciting piano version of this well-known work while Philip de Vos reads his poems for the linking passages of music.

	Riana Alfreds & Charles Tertiens South Africa Fiekie & Willie Show: "TAX INVASION" The world is in Recession. People are suffering. Governments are struggling. Fiekie (Riana Alfreds) and Willie (Charles Tertiens), are trying to discover where our money goes? Who is Pravin Gordhan? And is SARS a disease that can be cured? Is a dose of AZT and an IRP5 enough to cure the SARS pandemic? Join Fiekie and Willie in their epic adventure as they try to de-mystify the truth about TAX!

	Room Eleven The Netherlands Imagine some obscure bar. Imagine light bulbs going back and forth above tables filled with empty glasses. Imagine men with perfect haircuts begging beautiful women for a long, sensuous dance, and end up with Room Eleven. Or, with as much ease, imagine that final holiday night in which seductive glances have their last shot and a lonely mosquito gets lost in the blazing campfire. The list of atmospheric sketches one can come up with is endless, but as long as they sway back and forth between melancholic, summery, seductive and fiery, they are accurate. Three members of this Dutch group will be coming to Darling: Janne Schra (singer), Tony Roe (piano), Lucas Dols (bass). Web: www.roomeleven.nl

	Solo Flamenco South Africa Flamenco (dance) Cast: Carolyn Holden & Peter Agulhas (dancers), South African Flamenco company La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre presents solo flamenco - three pieces showcasing the masculine aspect of Flamenco dance. Live musicians and a singer accompany the dancers. Flamenco, enriched by the diverse cultures prevalent in Spain in the 15th century – Arabic, Gypsy, Indian, Sephardic and north African– takes on a local, contemporary look and feel. Madrid-based Joaquin Ruiz’s Farruca introduces the program, followed by a musical interlude and two new works choreographed for this programme by Carolyn Holden.

	Thijsmoussefay The Netherlands Mousthijfay Pianist/componist Thijs Borsten, percussionist Mousse Pathe Mbaye en multi-instrumentalist Fay Lovski combineren en creëren. De basis ingrediënten van dit theatrale concert vormen de menselijke stem, Senegalese percussie, piano en een zingende zaag. Web: www.thijsborsten.com

	Toneelgroep Matzer The Netherlands "SWEET REVENGE" Toneelgroep Matzer presents “SWEET REVENGE” performed by Peter de Graef, directed by Madeleine Matzer. Sweet Revenge is a tale of desire and betrayal, love and envy, revenge and reconciliation. It is based on an old popular legend which could be situated anywhere in the world. It is told by master storyteller Peter de Graef, who in 1998 was awarded the Dutch ‘Louis d’Or’, for being the best actor of that season. He has also been honoured several times for the texts he has written for the theatre. Web: www.matzer.org

	Tyrone Apollis South Africa GEROESTE MUSIC Tyrone Apollis is one of south Africa’s exceptionally gifted artists whose guitar pennywhistle celebrate the desires and tears of his homeland , a place he loves as much as the rhythm of his native Cape Flats . His guitar and lyrics cuts straight through the clutter to lay bare the triumphs of a nation in transition. He plays a wistful pennywhistle and he makes all feel at home warm and loved as in his words: ‘I am homeless in overcrowded room, yet I have learned to smile, because I’m not a forgotten child”. He'll be performing with guest musician, Robin Peters (percussionist).

	Violina Anguelov & Stanislav Anguelov South Africa Opera de Light in Spring The program Opera de Light in Spring has been compiled to delight the taste of each and every listener. With combination of popular opera and operetta arias, Neapolitan songs, French musette and more you will be transported in time and place with the velvet mezzo voice of Violina Anguelov and the sweet sound of Stanislav Anguelov’s piano accordion. Come join us and let us warm and open up your hearts with our music as spring warms and opens up the flowers.

	Willem Vermandere Belgium Willem Vermandere was born in Louwe (Belgium) in 1940. He is a special person, a philosopher, a talented singer/storyteller, writer, painter and sculptor. His words are like literature and his music has a southern timbre. He sings songs about life, persons, events and society and in between the songs he tells stories in his own Flemish way. Living in that far away part of Belgium (close to the French border), where the First World War was mainly fought he writes, composes in his special style. He has recorded many albums and cd’s. Web: www.willemvermandere.be

Review

6th Voorkamerfest once again a sell-out!

The 6th annual Voorkamerfest in Darling was once again a sell-out event three weeks before and a resounding success. This year VKF drew an audience of 2,400 in addition to thousands more visitors and tourists who descended on the town to soak up the festive atmosphere.

R1 of every ticket sold was donated to The Darling Trust in Darling - www.thedarlingtrust.org.

Widely regarded as one of the most unique arts festivals in the world, the Voorkamerfest takes place annually during the first week of September.

The 21 houses in which the different performances take place, range from small township abodes to some of Darling’s grand Cape Dutch homes, and the owners play host to the guests and introduce the performers who hail from South Africa and Europe. Each ‘theatre venue’ received a donation of R600 for volunteering their homes for the three days.

Several visual artists in Darling opened their studios for visitors to meet them and view their art. The craft market hosted at Evita se Perron had a total of 37 stalls of which most were local and others from further afield. The proceeds of the fee charged for the weekend is donated every year to The Darling Trust and this year R1,800 was contributed.

Aside from the performance aspect two workshops were conducted in film and dance.

Over a two-week period, a dance team of five facilitators from Crosstown DH worked with 45 youngsters from the local community and taught them several hip hop sequences that they performed in the street daily during the fest, to the applause of appreciative and enthusiastic crowds at Evita se Perron. For the local children of all ages this was a life changing experience for most in terms of confidence building and personal skills and development. They came from the 3 schools in Darling including children from Mamre and the San Culture and Education Centre, !Khwa ttu on the Cape West Coast. Crosstown DH is a successful talent development project based in The Hague in the Netherlands that enables young dance talent to develop their creative talents and ambitions under professional supervision. We look forward to being able to invite them back.

Independent filmmaker Stefan Hurter began his long-term training project with a group of aspiring young filmmakers from the three schools in Darling. Under the name of the Number One Film Crew, these youngsters, together with Hurter, approached the Voorkamerfest as their first practical project and filmed everything that happened in and around the Evita se Perron and at various voorkamer venues throughout the festival weekend. They will continue learning about this craft throughout the remainder of the year.

The town was bursting at the seams this year with all available accommodation filled months in advance; local eateries were booked out by the time the weekend commenced.

The Voorkamerfest is a truly South African cultural experience that offers an exciting mix of theatre genres to suit all tastes. To accommodate disappointed latecomers this year, Mrs Evita Bezuidenhout (AKA Pieter-Dirk Uys) herself performed two shows at the Perron entitled An Afternoon with Evita Bezuidenhout that also played to capacity audiences!

Being held during the first week of Spring means that the flowers along the West Coast have begun blooming and the picturesque drive to Darling becomes a major attraction. Another draw card is the Darling Wine Route boasting excellent wine estates of which 4 donated wine to this year’s performers and VIP’s as well as wine tasting over the three days at Evita se Perron.

FIESTA, a well known South African TV program which covers festivals throughout the country, chose this year’s Voorkamerfest as one of the ‘must see’ festivals and put together a hour program filled with interviews with artists, audience, taxi owners, venue hosts and volunteers as well as exerts from the various shows throughout the weekend. It was aired on the 28th September. This we also great media coverage for Darling as additional interviews were conducted with the tourism bureau, the Wild Flower Society and local visual artists.

The Western Province Premier, Helen Zille and her husband were invited and attended the first route of the festival. A great honour for Voorkamerfest!

Again, thank you to all who make this daringly diverse and dazzling Darling event possible and we look forward to having you on board next year - that means all of you: audience, artists, crew, theatre hosts, taxi owners and sponsors!

Festival greetings and may your Christmas and New Year be safe and peaceful!

The Voorkamerfest team!

Tasha St John-Reid
Voorkamerfest 2009 Coordinator and Bookings
+82 321 7542 or +22 492 3427
bookings@voorkamerfest-darling.co.za