This year marks the 29th anniversary of the oldest Afrikaans arts festival in South Africa. The Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK or “Klein Karoo National Arts Festival” in Afrikaans) took place from 1 to 6 April in Oudtshoorn and took over the town with a central festival ground and plays, comedies and music performances happening every day at almost every hour across venues in Oudtshoorn.
There is something for everyone, suggested by the festival’s slogan: Al die ietse (all the things). There were over 200 plays, music performances, stand-up comedies, art exhibitions and more. The Blitsteater, five minute productions by amateur actors, was a highlight for Hendrik Muller, studying first-year BA in theatre and drama. “There [were] experimental and […] abstract performances as well as the normal and dramatic classic theatre,” he recounts. It is a predominantly Afrikaans festival, with venue names in Afrikaans, making locating them on Google Maps a challenge sometimes, but there are English and some Zulu shows, too.
A must-visit is the central festival ground downtown. From wine tasting in the Absa Kuierkamer to a Checkers pop-up stall, you will not go thirsty or hungry. There are rows of local vendors selling clothes, accessories and more. “There’s literally everything,” recalls Fezeka Nontlanga, a third-year BA (Theatre and Drama) student. Nontlanga acted in [Indistinct Chatter] at the festival. Then, opposite the expansive beer tent, there is a carnival. When asked about KKNK’s appeal, Nontlanga said, “I was drawn to the [carnival] fair, the market and the wine tasting”. The main stage saw all the musicians perform. They all were South African, with some nights showcasing icons like Snotkop, Kurt Darren and Majozi. So, if you are not an artsy or drama person, “you would still have a good time”, Muller says.
KKNK happens annually during the first term school and university holidays, and temperatures in Oudtshoorn can reach up to or well into the thirties. To access the festival, you buy a feesmarkkaartjie (festival and market ticket), allowing you into the central area for the week. Otherwise, you can buy day tickets. But, buy before KKNK starts as these prices almost double during the week. Each play and experience require individual tickets. Then, book accommodation early as it fills up quickly and save up for fuel for the four-and-a-half-hour drive from Stellenbosch. The nearest town to fly to is George, an hour away by driving, so renting a car is essential. Oudtshoorn is relatively safe, but at night it is dark as some areas do not have streetlights. Thus, ensure you are driving or walking with others.
By Julian Rael Gordon
