A number of early evening events have been added to the lineup of the 2015 Franschhoek Literary Festival -FLF, offering festival goers a relaxing and entertaining wind-down before heading off for dinner.
THE STORIES IN THE MUSIC
Two events are literary/musical evenings touching on the lives of two of South Africa’s favourite singers – PJ Powers and the late Brenda Fassie.
PJ is first up, with a special programme adapted from her Firefly show especially for Franschhoek. Using the same title as her memoir, Here I Am, PJ will bring her personal story to life with anecdotes and musical interludes. Audiences can expect to be moved, amused and inspired by PJ, and thoroughly entertained with the story and music of this consummate performer. Event 44, 5.30pm on Friday 15 May.
On Satruday evening, the inimitable journalist/author/commentator Bongani Madondo and the equally fabulous radio broadcaster Shado Twala, offer a journey through the life of Brenda Fassie. Bongani edited a collection of essays about Brenda, I’m Not Your Weekend Special, and using this as a base, they will reflect on Fassie’s legacy through words, music, images and videos. Event 92, 5.30pm Saturday 16 May.
Music lovers should also look out for two events with the legendary muso, Hugh Masekela.
He will join Bongani Madondo and PJ Powers in an event [46] on Saturday 16 May at 10am – The Sounds of Music, when, facilitated by Marianne Thamm, they will talk about life in the world of music, and the power of words and music to change life.
Then, on Sunday 17 May, Hugh – a storyteller of note – will be in conversation with his friends Mandla Langa and Bongani Madondo about music, books, writing and friendship. Event 106 The Tale is in the Telling, 11.30am.
PROSE & POETRY
Also on Friday evening, fans of the late Chris van Wyk (Shirley Goodness and Mercy) can still buy tickets for a special tribute to Chris, when actor Kurt Egelhof will present a programme of readings from Chris’s works. Chris was always a great friend of the FLF, and was one of the most popular authors who gave his time to visit schools in the greater Franschhoek Valley, sharing his love of literature and encouraging a love of reading in young learners. It is a great honour to be able to acknowledge his contributions through this special event. Event 45, 5.30pm (with a repeat of this event on Saturday, if necessary).
And finally, festival poets will read from the works at a free poetry session at Essence restaurant on Friday from 5.30pm. They will be joined by other invited poets. A bar a menu service will be available.
Please note: the Saturday night performance of Crritic! with John Maytham, is sold out.
