The Stellenbosch University (SU) Woordfees will have an exciting kick-off on Thursday (2 March) with the Homecoming programme for alumni with an array of events – from lectures to a fun run, rugby and golf, as well as the highlight, the Tuiskoms/Homecoming Classics at Coetzenburg, where music by Queen and Abba to Barbara Streisand and Tina Turner will be performed along with some classical favourites. 

Saartjie Botha, Director of the SU Woordfees, highlighted several events on her to-do list. She is especially looking forward to discussions with, among others, Johan Miles, Ryk Hattingh and the cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro.

"As far as theatre is concerned, I cannot wait for Piekniek by Mpande (Dingaan), Martelsang, Sing jy van bomme (photo) and Wild. The Coetzenburg Concerts are very ambitious this year, and Tuiskoms/Homecoming, Die Heuwels Fantasties, the Big Band Jol and Mango Groove are on my not-to-miss list."

According to Botha the Jan Marais Nature Reserve will be used as venue for the first time, with performances by Emo Adams, Francois van Coke, Stef Bos and Theuns Jordaan, who will all perform as part of the Sanlam Music Festival.

"As far as classic music is concerned, I am very excited about Tim Kliphuis and his trio, as well as the performance by the University Choir," says Botha. The classical music programme deserves mention, with concert like Hendrik Hofmeyr at 60 and the Stellenbosch Libertas Choir's Kaap Mzanzi and beyond. Also, don't miss the Organ Week in die NG Moederkerk, the US Camerata, US Chamber Choir, and local international piano stars Nina Schumann and Luis Magalhães. And last but not least, the US Symphony Orchestra.

Discourses vary greatly and producers of stimulating, infuriating and contemplative discussions include RSG's Praat Saam, Beste Professor, the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert-discourses and Geloof op die Markplein. There are also several theatre discussions.  

Botha is particularly excited about the festival's visual arts offering, which is well-represented and everyone should visit the SU Museum, die Hofmeyr Hall and GUS. There will be regular roundabouts at these exhibitions. Art works will also be on sale at the PJ Olivier Art Centre, while daily pop-up exhibitions will be a regular occurrence at the Plataan. The Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture collection will envelop visitors with examples of art in Stellenbosch.

"We have sold more than 10% tickets than during the same period last year and altogether 70 000 tickets have been sold."

Are you ready for the rush? "One tries your best to be as prepared but it entails a great deal of administrative work. However, you are never 100 % prepared for everything that can happen or go wrong. But this all adds to the feeling of anticipation. We cannot wait for 2017 US Woordfees," says Botha.