PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Kids of Kurland Arts Festival has conjured up an entertaining programme for all tastes – while raising funds to assist youngsters in need in the rural village of Kurland on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay.
The annual event will host big names in the entertainment industry, including SA satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys.
The aim of the festival, over and above providing entertainment for locals and visitors, is to raise funds for the Kids of Kurland School Project.
The organisation was established in 2001 after critical needs, especially among children, in the informal settlement of Kurland were identified.
Due to the remoteness of the village, there is a high incidence of unemployment which has led to issues with alcoholism, HIV/Aids and domestic violence.
The area also has a critical shortage of teachers.
The aim of the organisation is to help the children of this community and, through fundraising over the years, it has been able to employ teachers and a social worker at the local school.
Over and above this, the organisation also presents life skills education to the local youth, including functional behaviour, coping skills, child safety, and HIV/Aids education.
The festival kicks off at The White House in Plettenberg Bay on 20 February and runs until 28 February.
Pieter Dirk Uys on stage
The first performance will be by Uys with his show Adapt or Fly, which aims to fight fear with laughter.
He will be commenting on how much has changed in South Africa, yet the same story – one of violence, fear, crime corruption, media control and poverty – is still being seen across the country.
Uys will be back at The White House the following day with Echo of Noise, a deeply personal and provocative memoir.
Also on 20 February, the vocal talent of the operatic soloists of the Vumani Choral Project will be heard.
It is a choral music literacy and development organisation with a passion for children and youth. Their performance has been dubbed Africa Rise. The next day, they will be back with another performance, Song of Hope.
On 24 February, cabaret star Emile Minnie and well-known Knysna vocalist Mia Swart are set to captivate the audience with their beautiful voices. Minnie will also show off his piano skills.
On 28 February the festival draws to a close with Contagious Theatre, who will interpret Snowgoose, Paul Gallico’s classic tale of friendship, kindness and compassion, on stage.
The group’s sensitive handling of the story has brought them numerous awards as well as critical and audience acclaim.
All performances will start at 20:00.
* Tickets cost R200 each and are available from The Old House Shop or from Ann Fermor 082 452 8764.
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