In the birthplace of the Afrikaans poet brothers NP van Wyk Louw and WEG Louw, poets will soon have the opportunity to hone their poetic skills under the guidance of the poets Bernard Odendaal and Danie Marais.
Word-sensitive people who still feel a little “dense” when they put pen to paper or finger to keyboard to conjure up a poem, can attend the poetry workshop at the Louwhuis and Museum (LH&M) on Sutherland on 18 and 19 August.
Questions such as why someone wants to write poetry, what distinguishes poetry from other types of creative writing, which means of communication and creation are specifically applicable when writing poetry, and which one reads a decision about the “effectiveness”, even “quality” of a poem, will be answered during this workshop.
It is therefore a golden opportunity for seasoned and aspiring poets to think together about questions such as the above, to explore the means and effects of successful poetry, and to apply them to their own poetic efforts.
Odendaal and Marais are both well-known and award-winning Afrikaans poets. Odendaal is a poetry expert and former director of the ATKV Writing School, and Marais a regular columnist.
The weekend’s program consists of an introduction to the LH&M and other attractions in and around Sutherland, as well as several trips to the Louwhuis, the local NG church to attend a short performance on the organ and, for course participants who want another night stay, a tour to the local observatory for delicious stargazing.
Prospective course participants submit two own poem creations when they register for the workshop. In addition to discussions about the creative means at a poet’s disposal, the practical application of them in the poetry of those enrolled will come up.
The ATKV Writing School acts as a partner of the LH&M in its presentation. For more than 30 years, the Writing School has been helping emerging writers and poets with its short courses to set their own course within the Afrikaans writing world. According to estimates, more than 6,000 publications by former course participants of the Writing School have already seen the light.
Entries cost R250 and there are a limited number of places available for attendance. The closing date is Friday 4 August. To register send an email to Gerard Scholtz (email protected) or call him on 083 388 8209. Accommodation costs and other expenses will be provided to those interested when they register.
