A year-long wait has come to an end. The 2026 Vrystaat Arts Festival has officially begun.
While the festival programme gets fully underway today (Tuesday), a few events already set the stage on Monday evening for a week of unforgettable theatre, music, conversations, visual arts and unique cultural experiences.
The festival opened with Evita@90, celebrating the 90th birthday of South Africa’s beloved Evita Bezuidenhout. To captivate an audience with a one-hour solo performance at the age of 90 and receive a standing ovation is no ordinary achievement. Yet that is exactly what Evita accomplished on Monday evening in the Creative Kilowatt Kopanong auditorium.
With her trademark wit and sharp satire, she reflected on South Africa’s past through humorous anecdotes about former and current presidents. As one audience member remarked: “She may be 90, but she’s still as sharp as ever.” Even the younger audience members got every joke.” Award-winning playwright Nico Scheepers also celebrated the festival debut of his latest production, LEEFBAAR, on Monday evening.
Known for creating deeply human stories that linger long after the curtain falls, Scheepers once again explores the complexities of relationships, identity and hope with honesty and compassion.
LEEFBAAR has already generated significant interest, and with good reason. Elsewhere on campus, celebrated chef Frik de Jager hosted a memorable long-table dining experience where guests enjoyed exceptional food, warm hospitality and captivating storytelling in true Frik de Jager style.
Festival Director Michael Garbett says the Vrystaat Arts Festival is about far more than a week of performances. “It is a celebration of Bloemfontein, its people and the incredible creative talent South Africa has to offer. Every year, the festival brings together artists and audiences from across the country, provides a welcome boost to the local economy, and fills the city with a unique energy that simply cannot be experienced anywhere else.”
He added that whether visitors come to support their favourite artists or take a chance on something completely new, the festival offers countless opportunities to be surprised, moved and inspired.
