Hermanus FynArts: What’s on the menu?

The programme format for the annual Hermanus FynArts festival, traditionally presented over ten days in June, had to be amended in 2020 because of Covid protocols. Now in its ninth year, the newly restructured programme for Fynarts 2021 promises to be as uplifting, stimulating and fun as in past years – and will extend over a far longer period.

FynArts 2021 started with exhibitions at the FynArts Gallery. The latest, TimeOut, opened last week with a group exhibition of 20 ceramic artists. Then the first FynArts weekend programmes for 2021 at the end of February kicked off most successfully with two sold-out performances by Nataniël and Charl du Plessis, two recitals by Charl, a number of workshops and the painting of additional bollards at the Old Harbour by local artists.

Over Easter FynArts is offering two special events, both featuring the internationally esteemed musician, performer and educator, Pedro Espi-Sanchis, aka Pedro the Music Man. (See all the details in What’s On, page 8.)

Pedro the Music Man has presented many performances for children and adults both in South Africa and all over the world. Many of his performances are storytelling shows where musical instruments and music making principles are introduced to family type audiences in a very participatory style, making sound pictures for the stories and often also playing instruments.

The last show Pedro performed in Madrid (El Castillo del Silencio) involved the whole audience of 250 taking part in the finale. Over the last few years Pedro has built a strong musical relationship with Madosini, the famous Xhosa musician with whom he tours music, story telling and poetry festivals around the world.

Apart from other interim events and presentation on the FynArts 2021 programme, plans are underway for school holiday family fun from 23 – 27 April and the adapted FynArts Festival from 16 – 20 June. The latter dates may be extended to accommodate a full programme of talks, music, workshops, demonstrations and films which will be presented in smaller, more intimate and cosy venues for a fusion of winter warmth, quality entertainment and intellectual stimulation.

Click on the link below to read more (see page 15).