The event, held annually, will showcase some of the best spoken word artists in the country and will run from 3 until 6 July.
According to the theatre’s Lusanda Zokufa, the festival will provide the audience with an opportunity to take part and witness some of the best of the spoken word industry.
“It’s a chance to collectively look at how far South Africa has come over the past two decades, and to position spoken word as a medium to… shape the South African journey…” she said.
Zokufa added that the festival would feature various events, including screenings of poetry videos, open microphone sessions and performances from some of the best in the industry.
Some of the performers include Vuyelwa Maluleke, Natalia Molebatsi, Mutle Mothibe, Makhafula Vilakazi and Napo Masheane.
Festival Director, Qhakaza Mthembu, said organisers, Word and Sound Live Literature Company, look forward to an exciting partnership with The Market Theatre in bringing the festival to life.
“We look forward to seeing spoken word take a more prominent role in recording our collective journey as South Africans,” she said.
The festival will take place at the Barney Simon Theatre in Newtown, and tickets are available at the Market Theatre box office. All the performances will be hosted by poet Afurakan. For more information on the festival, go to www.wordnsound.wordpress.com and for a full schedule of the festival, go to or www.markettheatre.co.za
