Audience engagement at the Open Book Festival, held annually in Cape Town. Photo: provided
The programme for this year’s Open Book Festival is now live. Tickets are available for booking through Webtickets. The festival, known for creating an inclusive space for important conversations, is set to explore a range of themes including mental health, fatherhood, creativity, and the impact of history on the present.
The festival will feature a diverse array of events designed to engage readers, thinkers, and literary enthusiasts. Notable highlights include:
- Conversations with Mohale: The festival’s flagship event returns with the theme “Celebrating unruly women”, promising a blend of feminist discourse and humour;
- Writersports: a live writing session where authors create stories based on audience prompts, showcasing the spontaneity of the creative process;
- A letter to Sobukwe: a collaboration with House of Sachane, examining the legacy of this significant figure in South African history;
- Gathering our voices: a partnership with aBantu Chorus, combining poetry and music;
- Queerness and the divine: an exploration of spirituality, identity, and acceptance
These events, among many others, reflect the festival’s commitment to addressing pressing social issues and universal human experiences through the lens of literature.
The organisers emphasise that the Open Book Festival aims to cater to a wide audience, from readers to those seeking engaging discussions on contemporary topics. They believe everyone should have access to these discussions. If individuals experience ticket costs as a barrier to entry, they are encouraged to reach out to request a complimentary pass. Email openbooktickets@gmail.com for more.
The full programme and ticket information are now available on the festival’s official website.