A year of waiting has come to an end. The Vrystaat Art Festival 2026 has officially started.
While the festival program gets underway today (Tuesday), several events on Monday evening already set the stage for a week full of unforgettable theater, music, conversations, visual arts and unique cultural experiences.
The festival opened with Evita@90, in honor of the 90th birthday of South Africa’s beloved Evita Bezuidenhout. Captivating an audience at the age of 90 with an hour-long solo performance and receiving a standing ovation is no ordinary feat. Yet that is exactly what Evita achieved on Monday evening in the Creative Kilowatt Kopanong hall.
With her characteristic humor and sharp satire, she reflected on South Africa’s past through humorous anecdotes about former and current presidents. As one audience member noted, “She may be 90, but she’s still as sharp as ever.” Even the younger audience got into every joke.” Prize-winning playwright Nico Scheepers also celebrated the festival debut of his latest production LEEFBAAR on Monday evening.
Known for creating deeply human stories that linger long after the curtain falls, Scheepers re-examines the complexities of relationships, identity and hope with honesty and compassion.
LEEFBAAR has already aroused a lot of interest, and with good reason. Elsewhere on campus, celebrated chef Frik de Jager hosted an unforgettable dining experience at the long table, where guests enjoyed exceptional food, warm hospitality and captivating storytelling in true Frik de Jager style.
Festival director Michael Garbett says the Vrystaat Arts Festival is much more than a week full of performances. “It is a celebration of Bloemfontein, its people and the incredible creative talent that South Africa has to offer. Each year the festival brings together artists and audiences from across the country, providing a welcome boost to the local economy and filling the city with a unique energy that simply cannot be experienced anywhere else.”
He added that whether visitors come to cheer on their favorite artists or take a chance on something completely new, the festival offers countless opportunities to be surprised, moved and inspired.
Clement Matroos
www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
