SEDGEFIELD NEWS - More than 20 performances, workshops and cultural experiences will be on offer when the inaugural En Route Arts Festival transforms Sedgefield into a creative hub from 19 to 24 June.

The six-day festival will bring together established artists and emerging talent across multiple venues in the town.

Festival director Roland Vorwerk of In Toto Retreat said the festival was inspired by performers travelling through Sedgefield on their way to the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.

"We are privileged to host such a fantastic diversity of performances and look forward to welcoming new audiences from the wider Garden Route and elsewhere," said Vorwerk.

Among the headline acts is acclaimed actor Andrew Buckland, who will present two physical theatre productions. Award-winning playwright Mike van Graan will showcase two new works, Pet Friendly and Helen of Troyeville, while the Sedgefield Players will perform their revised and abridged Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

Comedy fans can enjoy a one-person show by Sophie Joans, while music productions include Amy Winehouse - The Diva and Her Demons, Time to Tango and Call Me a Diva.

The festival also offers a variety of workshops and cultural activities, including fossil footprint walks, photography outings, mosaic and beadwork classes, a writing workshop, pottery painting and the Masithandane Mosaic Tour.

An 'In Conversation' session with Mike van Graan and Andrew Buckland, as well as a creative thinking talk by artist and researcher Dr Greg Streak, will add further depth to the programme.

Festival venues include In Toto Retreat, The Bistro at Simbavati Fynbos on Sea and the Smutsville Community Hall.

Tickets are available through Quicket. For more information, visit enroutefestival.co.za.

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