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I believe the agile mind ensures youthfulness, no matter how old you are. That is what I felt in the room, every day.
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Luna Paige wrote in Facebook:
I was at the Etienne van Heerden Veldsoirée this past weekend. It really was a special event. I attended because I am looking for guidance in creative writing. Although I am a songwriter, I feel there are stories in me that crave a different form of expression. Being a novice in this field, starting to write something other than songs has been quite daunting to me. The writer’s workshop was great. I wish there was more time to delve into the various topics. But I made my notes and already feel a little bit more equipped to start writing.
The event took place in Cradock (Eastern Cape). A town filled with history and ties to literary icons. It was equally fascinating to see how many current-day writers and attendees herald from this special town. The event took place in the Victoria Manor, where most people stayed for the weekend. Either in the hotel or the adjacent Tuishuise. This hotel is one of the oldest in South Africa (since 1850). The moment one steps into its reception area, one feels the charm of a bygone era. The warm colours and plush furnishings are just what the body needs in the low and crisp temperatures of the Karoo winter. It is like a slice of sweet pie when the mouth is dry and the tummy growling.
But the magic was in the people. Their minds. Their personalities. And the knowledge they have to share. Besides the two writing workshops (prose and poetry) an impressive array of talks, lectures or presentations were lined up. Professionals, academics, creatives from a vast array of fields were invited to share their knowledge or opinions about language, literature, history, story, and more. Of course, when touching on all these things, one must touch on world matters, politics, identity and the likes. There was no shying away from serious topics, exploring opposing viewpoints and stepping into a safe space where open dialogue was possible. It was also a space where sharp-witted humour lightened the mood, where anecdotes about iconic literary figures were shared and at times, the audience could step into the magical world of a writer’s imagination.
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Luckily it is also a space where people play in the magical world of storytelling – where language, philosophy, possibility, reality and fantasy meet.
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Not everyone was a natural speaker, but everyone is a natural thinker. And their thoughts are fascinating if one makes the effort to listen. This is something most of us forget to do in this fast-paced world of ours. How delightful to go to an event where listening is the main activity.
I loved listening to Darryl David speak about his top thirty Afrikaans novels in Afrikaans. His passion for literature is infectious. Seeing PJO Jonker express himself in song while speaking about his book was moving. Listening to an almost theatrical Peter Vale speak about the year in which he was born, made me realise how little I know about the year I was born in.
Witnessing Hein Willemse’s passion for his language and its heritage was fantastic. I admire the gentle way in which he educates and expands the way in which we view and review Afrikaans.
Burgert Senekal’s tongue-in-cheek presentation about death and black metal in Afrikaans was quite an unexpected turn of events and proved that poetic lyric writing can present itself in many forms. I loved listening to Ena Jansen talk about the book, Max Havelaar. I am most definitely going to purchase the translated version of this 1860 novel by Multatuli.
Ingrid Glorie’s talk about her journey into Afrikaans, South Africa and its people, was beautiful to listen to. Her journey affirms what I know – where there is passion, there is a way. Not only a way, but a space to build bridges and create opportunity. Something that Ingrid has done for me too in my life.
Another person who inspired and impressed me was the young Nolwazi Mahlangu who explores the migrating body. Using poetry, drama and applied drama she makes a difference in communities. It was impressive to see how she could express herself eloquently in Zulu, English and Afrikaans. I realise it should not be so impressive. More of us should be able to say we are as efficient as her in bridging the language gap in our daily lives, never mind behind a microphone in front of a room full of people. I look forward to keeping an eye on her career and seeing the impact she makes.
Luan Staphorst presented his talk so eloquently that I could not help but stand in admiration of him. The way he handled comments and maintained constructive dialogue was impressive. He could become a politician. I am grateful he is not.
I also loved listening to Bernard Odendaal talk about the media sphere and its impact on poetry. It is exciting to see how this sphere can be utilised to revive the relevance of poetry in modern society. I enjoyed the joyful way in which Mputhumi Ntabeni spoke about the value of oral history – an important topic worldwide. The value of elders and their remembrances was highlighted, and I cannot agree more. I loved witnessing André Hattingh’s passion on stage. She is engulfed in a world of magic, beauty and hope.
It was also heartwarming to see someone like AJ Opperman getting recognition for the work he does in the challenging world of arts journalism. We all know the space is narrowing and job opportunities in this field is limited due to changing tides in media. People like him are essential in bringing the work of creatives to light, not only boosting and promoting it, but also looking at it critically. One could ask yourself what an art scene would look like without critics?
I also loved listening to Anthony Akerman speak so respectfully and lovingly about Guy Butler. The same applies to Rory Riordan who entertained us with the beautiful back story to his writings on Athul Fugard and why he chose not to call it a biography. There is much to be said about honouring the ones who came before us, making sure their stories are preserved and shared. Each work paves the way for the next.
Riana Scheepers was the last speaker and rightfully so. I don’t know why precisely, but I was deeply moved by her sharing of 35 years of writing. There was something honest and revealing about the telling of her story. It encapsulated the good and the bad, the ecstasy and the disappointment, the sorrow and the elation of being a creative. What I loved was how she laced it with hope. What I take home from her talk, is purpose. When one knows why you create, when it is to make better, to express – one can – despite disappointments – go on forever and ever.
We ended off at the sarcophagus of Olive Schreiner. An exhilarating 4x4 ride up the mountain at Buffelshoek, was followed by a steep climb up the last bit of the mountain. And there we were welcomed by the sun and a crisp but welcome breeze after the short, but challenging, hike. We listened to Anchen Conradie read an oration prepared by Elsabé Brits. It focused on the relationship between Emily Hobhouse and Olive Shreiner. I realised how important it is to find like-minded thinkers to engage with. Yes, they will challenge and perhaps irritate you. More importantly, they will affirm you, remind you that you are to be heard and valued because of your talents and unique view on life.
I will return to the Veldsoirée because it serves this purpose. It is a safe space for expression, sharing of knowledge and engagement with people smart, critical and open to dialogue. Luckily it is also a space where people play in the magical world of storytelling – where language, philosophy, possibility, reality and fantasy meet. I believe the agile mind ensures youthfulness, no matter how old you are. That is what I felt in the room, every day.
See also:
Emily Hobhouse en Olive Schreiner: Twee koppiges in die Karoo