Following the enormous success of the collaboration between Poetica and #cocreateSA last year, #cocreatePOETICA will once again be part of the seventh Open Book Festival. The partnership provides a platform for readings, performances and poetical discussions and features a diverse range of poets, including both established names and those at the beginnings of their careers.

The aim of the collaboration between #cocreateSA and Poetica is to use the art form of RAP and the spoken word to co-create solutions to mutual challenges by providing a platform that voices the concerns of the youth, by the youth. Last year saw Dutch and South African artists collaborate to create a shared experience and performance pieces on issues pertaining to history, language and culture. In 2017, #cocreatePOETICA will take this further with a three-day series of interactions exploring place, language and identity. This will culminate in an event on the program where those involved can feed back to the public about the process.

#cocreatePOETICA is delighted to welcome Dutch artist, songwriter, actor and director Akwasi back to Cape Town and privileged to host fellow Dutch poet, performer and actor, Dean Bowen. Dancer, poet and theatre-maker, Sjaan Flikweert, will also be participating. All three artists are attending the festival courtesy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Consulate General in Cape Town and the Dutch Foundation for Literature. The artists will perform at events including Journeys With Poetry on Saturday 9 September, sharing experiences of their three day exploration, facilitated by Adrian 'Diff' van Wyk. Sunday 10 September will have them in conversation with Siphokazi Jonas about the nature of performance and international audiences.

“With the inaugural run of #cocreatePOETICA last year, we saw how the power of the spoken word can break down language and cultural barriers and unite us in our differences, to celebrate our identity through the art of poetry,” says Dutch Consul General, Bonnie Horbach. “Poetry provides an outlet for the voice of a younger generation who are often marginalised or misunderstood.”

“Working with #cocreateSA has allowed us to grow what is a vital part of the festival in very exciting ways. #cocreatePoetica is all about meaningful collaboration and exploration.” affirms Frankie Murrey, Festival Coordinator.

The Open Book Festival runs from 6-10 September 2017 and is hosted by the Book Lounge and The Fugard Theatre with events also taking place at the A4 Arts Foundation, District Six Homecoming Centre and Central Library Cape Town. The 2017 program will be available in early August. Visit www.openbookfestival.co.za