Arts writer
HOP on a taxi and join the community of Darling as they celebrate their 11th Darling Voorkamerfest with a variety of theatre, music and dance on the first weekend of spring, September 5, 6 and 7.
The annual event promises to dazzle with a fabulous line-up of local and Dutch artists who’ll present intimate concerts in the voorkamers of their hosts – the residents of Darling.
The Voorkamerfest hub will be at Evita se Perron at 8 Arcadia Street, where visitors can collect their tickets for one of the seven different routes, each of which takes them on a journey to three different homes. Each home will feature three 30-minute concerts per route.
The festival will offer 21 intimate performances spanning a mix of genres – everything from jazz to classical music, comedy to drama and poetry to circus acts.
Part of the Voorkamerfest’s allure is the element of anticipation as the venues and the artists performing on any one of the seven routes remains a complete surprise until the visitor arrives on the doorstep of the home theatre.
Houses in all areas of the town will participate – from the small and humble to the elegant Victorian. The homeowners are the hosts of this unique South African multicultural experience.
While waiting for the next route, visitors will also be able to amble around Evita se Perron and enjoy the Voorkamerfest Craft & Food Fair’s array of food, wines, artisan endeavours and entertainers.
The taxi routes will get going at 5pm on September 5, at noon and 5pm the following day, and at noon on September 7.
The finale on the last day will be an open-air concert in Darling East at 4pm. There, festival artists will each do a five-minute performance. Entrance is free.
l To book for Voorkamerfest events, c all 082 321 7542, e-mail book [email protected] or see www.voorkamerfest.co.za to view the artist line-up.