Litnet

"This year’s theme for Time of the Writer was 'Reflections, resonance and revival'. Watching the diverse panels online strangely focused my attention on these concepts in ways that maybe an in-person attendance wouldn’t have."

"But it is fantastical, in ways which aren’t entirely positive, to read a contemporary novel which treats the very thin bubble of glamour in the city without asking about the facts lying right within the bubble ..."

"Mary Shelley’s life story underpins Bella Baxter’s story of emancipation."

"World Theatre Day, especially in South Africa, represents a day on which one can reflect on years of authentic storytelling and breaking barriers in a country blessed with diversity and cultural richness."

"[I]n this book she has less 'chosen' the events of her own life than been strong enough to grasp, grapple with and capture them – laid them, you might say, as if on a mortuary slab. Except, mercifully, she didn’t die."

"Any serious writer with purpose will agree that the opportunity to collaborate in dialogue with a diverse group of writers from across the world in various disciplines is a sure way to grow personally as a writer and broaden your scope."

Amazwi South African Museum of Literature invites you to a conference that explores all aspects of children’s literature, from picture books to young adult fiction.

"Halo has oodles of heart and soul and characters that resonate deeply."

Anthony Turton, an expert in water resource management, outlines the extent of the water crisis in South Africa.

Melissa Sussens is a poet dedicated to opening up and maintaining inclusive spaces for poets everywhere. Melissa has shared three exercises that help her to find her own creative spark (and kindle it in others).

It’s time for new adventures for Joburg Ballet as the company gears up for its first ever appearance at the KKNK in Oudtshoorn on 27 and 28 March. The stimulating trio of dance works Joburg Ballet is presenting at the KKNK showcases an impressive line-up of choreographers: South Africa’s Dada Masilo, Chinese-German choreographer Hannah Ma and the Netherlands-based Spanish choreographer Jorge Pérez Martínez.

"And secondly, I keep asking this: why should anyone bother to read or come watch a play written by an unknown young man who lives in the outskirts of Cape Town, where everything is far from him and the city lights are supposedly fantasies? And who lives every day looking up hoping to see a billboard of a role model in the township, but only gets to see the walking, unsung heroes who once tried and failed, the many who sought stability and did everything right, yet still crashed?"

Ahead of Shorts: A festival of pocket operas at the Artscape Arena, Naomi Meyer spoke to composer Conrad Asman about his new work, Trial by media, which revolves around the media’s impact on the Oscar Pistorius trial: "Reeva’s voice has often been forgotten during various portrayals of this trial, and it is my hope to rectify this, while highlighting the effects of domestic violence present in this story."

"The best part of the residency is the uninterrupted time to write, in a heavenly location, and the inspiration one gets in such a historic place. The town is quiet, the views are calming; this is honestly the best place to write."

"Here’s a walk through the corridors of South African horror, from early ’70s thrillers to modern, local zombie films."

"Midway through my second passion fruit and lemonade, I said that a region so rich in literary history deserves a literary festival of its own. To which David [Attwell] replied: 'Why don’t we do it?'"

The South African premiere of Shakespeare’s Othello, adapted and directed by Lara Foot with a stellar cast and creatives, premieres at the Baxter on 6 April 2024. In this South African production, performed in English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans, Foot focuses on Othello’s inner life, wanting to add an African perspective, staging the play in several languages and relocates it to the time of German colonialism, to the time of the Herero uprising in German Southwest Africa, to present-day Namibia.

The deadline for abstract submissions is 30 May.

The winners of the 59^th Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards, sponsored by Heineken Beverages, were announced at a glittering ceremony at the Baxter Theatre Centre in Rondebosch, Cape Town. Read the full list of winners here.

Die KKNK vind van 23 tot 31 Maart 2024 in Oudtshoorn plaas. Hier is nog inligting vir lesers wat die fees vanjaar wil bywoon.