The Voorkamerfest was initially conceptualised by the Dutch impresario Inge Bos, together with Wim Visser from the Royal Carré Theatre in Amsterdam, assisted by the team at Evita se Perron. Like previous Voorkamer festivals, this year will see the participation of outstanding South African artists such as comedian Marc Lottering, Tango duo Mark Hoeben and Ina Wichterich, guitarists James Grace and Steve Newman, rapper Jistvinger, flautist Marietjie Pauw and the musical duo of Anouk Espi and Madeleine du Toit on violin and piano. David Kramer and poets Antjie Krog and Diana Ferrus are also in the line-up and a local storytelling and acting group known as the Darling iAfrica Queens, will present their performance in a hair salon.

This year’s international line-up consists of circus acrobat Martha Harrison from the UK, singers Anne van Veen, Wil van der Meer, Stef Bos from The Netherlands, Denise Jannah from Suriname and Fado singer Fernando Lameirnhas. Says organiser Marietha Channell, “this year’s festival caters to all tastes and we have put together an exciting mix of theatre that covers a wide spectrum of performance genres”.

The Voorkamerfest is a truly South African cultural experience and the successes of the three previous festivals mean that this event has been eagerly awaited throughout the Cape and further afield. It will take place over three consecutive days, namely on Friday 31st August at 17h00, Saturday 1st September at 12h00 and 17h00 and on Sunday 2nd September at 12h00. Tickets cost R90 per route and because seating is limited, advance booking is essential. Booking opens on 1 July and for tickets, directions to Darling and further information about the Voorkamerfest, please call Tasha St. John-Reid on 082 321 7542 or 022 492 3427 or visit www.voorkamerfest-darling.co.za or bookings@voorkamerfest-darling.co.za