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The Free State Veterans Poetry Festival
The Free State Veteran Poetry Festival, organized by Charmza Literary Club in collaboration with the Performing Arts Center of the Free State (PACOFS), will take place from 10 to 12 October 2024 in Bloemfontein. This historic event marks 20 years of poetry in the Free State and provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the region’s rich literary history and provide a platform for emerging talent.
Festival background
In 2003, a small group of 15 poets gathered at PACOFS with handwritten poems and a shared passion for poetry. These humble beginnings led to a literary movement that has blossomed ever since. Over the past twenty years, twenty collections of poetry have been published, numerous poetry shows have been organized and poets from the Free State have performed on national and international stages.
The festival will highlight the significant contributions of the Free State’s accomplished poets, who have played a significant role in shaping the province’s poetry landscape. These poets are the custodians of both the written and spoken word in the region, and their collective wisdom will be shared with young poets through workshops and performances aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent.
Festival activities
The event includes book launches, poetry workshops and performances by ten veteran poets who started their journey in Bloemfontein in 2004. An important part of the festival is the participation of 200 students from grades 8 to 11 who will be trained by these experienced poets on how to write and perform poetry. Each scholar will be gifted with poetry books and art kits, fostering a connection between the younger generation and the Free State’s literary traditions.
Revitalizing the poetry movement
The aim of the festival is not only to celebrate the achievements of the Free State’s poets, but also to reinvigorate the poetry movement in the province. By bringing together two generations of poets – those who have built their careers and those just beginning their journey – the festival seeks to create a vibrant literary community where knowledge and experience can be shared.
Charmaine Mrwebi, festival organizer and founder of Charmza Literary Club, emphasizes the importance of preserving poetry as an art form and a career. She believes the festival will play a crucial role in empowering young poets and keeping the poetry movement alive in the Free State.
Key highlights
1. Veteran Poets’ Performances: The festival will feature live performances from renowned poets such as JahRose, Icebound, Hector Kunene, and Frans Makamole. These poets, who have been at the forefront of the Free State poetry movement, will share their journeys and provide valuable mentorship to up-and-coming poets.
2. Workshops for Young Poets: The festival’s workshops will provide young poets with the tools and inspiration needed to develop their craft. Veteran poets will guide the participants through the process of writing and performing poetry, helping them understand the nuances of the art form.
3. Book Launches: Several poetry anthologies will be launched during the festival, further cementing the Free State’s contribution to the South African literary landscape. These anthologies showcase the diverse voices of Free State poets, many of whom have gained national and international recognition.Promoting a poetry culture
The Free State Veteran Poetry Festival is more than just a party; it is an initiative aimed at promoting a deeper appreciation for poetry among youth. By providing a platform for young poets to showcase their talents, the festival aims to ensure that the poetry movement in the Free State continues to flourish.
Through collaborations with PACOFS and other stakeholders, the festival will also contribute to the growth of the local literary scene. The event is expected to attract poets and audiences from across the province, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose within the Free State’s poetry community.
The legacy of Free State poetry
Over the past twenty years, the Free State has produced some of the country’s most talented poets. These poets have not only contributed to the province’s literary heritage, but have also achieved national and international fame with their work. The Free State Veteran Poetry Festival serves as a platform to honor these achievements and inspire the next generation of poets to continue this legacy.
As the festival approaches, anticipation increases among poetry lovers and participants alike. With its diverse program of workshops, performances and book launches, the Free State Veteran Poetry Festival promises to be a landmark event on the province’s cultural calendar.
The festival will be held at PACOFS, located at 12 First Avenue in Bloemfontein, and will run from 10am to 5pm daily. Tickets for the event can be purchased online, with prices starting from R80 for general admission. For more information, visit the official PACOFS website or contact the Charmza Literary Club.
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