Grab the mic at the Schreiner fest.
Poets, scribes and would-be-authors from country districts take centre stage during the open microphone session at the long weekend Schreiner: Karoo Writers Festival in Cradock, which launches today.
"This is an invitation to writers from all walks of life," said Paul Walters, who chairs the organising committee. "We know that countless South Africans are stringing words together in private, or longing to start writing their own stories. It can be a lonely business.
The festival offers a safe and friendly place to come out in the open; meet fellow writers; share our experiences and our writings. And set up new support networks." Walters has helped generations of Rhodes University English students to find their own literary "voices". He will referee the lively open microphone session scheduled for Saturday.
Each participant gets three minutes to read or recite his or her own work. Some of the words will bring a tear to the eye, others will have you rolling in the aisle. Guitar-strumming poet/ lyricist Robert Pearce will open the session.
Popular blogger Dominee Attie van Wyk always entertains while Zenobia Kock will present a passage from the moving book she wrote while she was a pastorie-mama in Colesberg. Tarkastad magistrate Jo Els will also take the microphone — poetry helped him overcome a lifetime of stuttering.
Two pupils from Cradock high schools will also read. They are to be selected from the participants in a series of multimedia outreach workshops co-ordinated by Upstart and the National English Literary Museum.
These are just a few examples of the lively cast for this "local writing goes live" show. To secure your slot, simply show up on the day, or get in touch with the organisers. The open microphone provides a focus, but the entire festival is a writer's and reader's indaba.
The action begins today with the traditional pilgrimage to the Schreiner Grave atop Buffelskop. For more programme information, see the Facebook page Schreiner: Karoo Writers Festival.
To book, contact Lisa: infotuishuise.co.za or call 082-410-5596, or alternatively Rika: infoalberthouse.co.za or call 082-888-8953.
Article Source: The Herald