WOENSDAG 12 AUGUSTUS
Strand: Trans/Vaal is as deel van Teater op Toer by THE DRAMA FACTORY op die planke. Die produksie is geskryf deur Wim Vorster met Marie-Heleen Coetzee as regisseur en aangebied in samewerking met Badprop Produksies. Trans/Vaal is ‘n aangrypende Afrikaanse dansteaterstuk deur Ignatius van Heerden wat identiteit, selfontdekking en seksuele identiteit in 1980’s Suid-Afrika ondersoek. Dit volg ‘n jong Afrikanerseun se reis na selfaanvaarding binne ‘n konserwatiewe, landelike konteks agter die “boeregordyn”. Deur beweging en emosionele vertelling word sy innerlike konflik en groei uitgebeeld. Die produksie het ‘n Naledi-teatertoekenning vir beste eenpersoonstuk gewen en is ook benoem vir beste koreografie vir teater en beste grensverskuiwende werk. Trans/Vaal is nie net ‘n produksie nie — dit is ‘n rou, asemrowende ontmoeting wat onder jou vel inklim en daar bly sit lank nadat die ligte doof. Dit is om 19:30 en weer om 15:30 op Saterdag 22 Augustus te sien. Geen onder 12’s word toegelaat nie. Kaartjies, teen R200 elk, is aanlyn by www.dramafactory.co.za beskikbaar.
FRIDAY 14 TO SUNDAY 23 AUGUST
Somerset West: The Helderberg’s INDIE AUTHORS RISE UP book festival returns, offering a unique blend of fireside chats, enriching workshops and powerful local narratives. This year’s festival promises cosy, thought-provoking sessions that will linger long after the last page is turned.
Those attending can look forward to engaging discussions with seasoned writing mentors, candid insights from experienced authors and essential legal guidance for creatives from Spoor & Fisher. Workshops will also explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing, providing valuable tools for aspiring and established authors alike. The festival has partnered with more than 70 independent authors and self-publishing service providers, including marketers, cover designers, printers and book distributors. With 26 events hosted at venues such as Flagstone and Morgenster wineries, Imibala Café, Sage & Thyme, Café 1865 and the Somerset West Library there’s something for every literary taste – fiction, poetry, or non-fiction. Tickets are a steal, with early-bird prices at R60 (including a glass of Poetry wine) and R75 from Saturday 1 August. Hard copy tickets are also available at Imibala Café in Somerset West, where every meal purchased supports the Imibala Trust’s skills development programmes for young people.
Originally launched as Fringe Fireside Chats in 2023, Indie Authors Rise Up festival was inspired by Edinburgh’s first fringe festival and has grown into a platform celebrating indie creativity. This year, the Imibala Trust and Café join the festival, offering a live hospitality training space where trainees gain valuable front-of-house and kitchen experience under professional mentorship. Don’t miss the chance to hear authors share their journeys from story ideas to published books or to explore what it will take to debut your own book at the festival next year. Visit indieauthorsriseup.co.za for the full programme and to browse featured books at the Clowder bookstore. Tickets are available online via Quicket or directly from Imibala Café at 16 Bright Street in Somerset West.
FRIDAY 14 AUGUST
Somerset West: U3A SOMERSET WEST presents its next SA Today meeting at the Somerset West United church, on the corner of Andries Pretorius and Bright streets, from 14:00 to 15:30. Benedicta van Minnen, the spokesperson on Police Oversight and Community Safety for the Western Cape provincial government and member of the provincial legislature, will address the topic “Safety and Community Policing in the Western Cape”, exploring what can be done about one of the highest murder rates in the country and a police service that is under-resourced, corrupt and demotivated. Parking is available at the rear of the church and at the Bright Street entrance, with gates that open automatically upon approach. Please keep the nearest spaces open for church members. Members should wear their membership cards; admission is R10 for members and R20 for non-members. RSVP to Danie Schoeman via email on dschoeman2745@gmail.com.
MAANDAG 17 AUGUSTUS
Strand: Die CHRISTELIKE AFHANKLIKHEIDSDIENS (CAD) nooi mense wat probleme met middelafhanklikheid het, na ‘n byeenkoms om 19:00 in die kerksaal van die NG Moedergemeente op die hoek van Birkenhead- en Faganstraat, Strand. Vir navrae, bel Gerrie by 073 336 3119, of Werner by 082 826 0972.
WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST
Somerset West: HELDERBERG HOSPICE holds its annual general meeting at 12:00. This year the AGM will be held virtually, allowing those attending to join from the comfort of their own homes. To receive the link for virtual attendance, please contact the events team via email at eventsteam@helderberghospice.org.za.
Somerset West: The REACH FOR RECOVERY breast-cancer support group invites residents of the Helderberg and Stellenbosch to a free talk by the breast and endocrine surgeon Dr Liana Roodt on the latest deve lopments in breast surgery. The talk will be held in the Learning and Development Room at Mediclinic Vergelegen at 09:30 for 10:00. Anyone with an interest in breast health is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served afterward the talk. Call 082 357 0497 for enquiries.
VRYDAG 5 SEPTEMBER
Somerset-Wes: GLORIA BOTHA-SKOOL vir kinders met verstandelike beperkings pronk met ‘n onvergeetlike “Back to the 80s”-geleentheid wat om 19:00 by die Strand-stadsaal plaasvind. Die aand beloof regstreekse vermaak met die opwindende energie, wat besoekers sal meevoer na ‘n tyd van neonkleure, boogiekief en nostalgiese treffers. Gaste word aangemoedig om hul eie piekniekmandjie saam te bring – die perfekte manier om tyd in ‘n ontspanne atmosfeer met vriende en familie te geniet. Kaartjies kos R200 per persoon en kan vooraf bespreek word. Belangstellendes kan uitsien na ‘n heerlike aand van nostalgie, musiek en gemeenskapsgees.
