The Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (Pacofs) will this weekend flip the script on “From Bloemfontein to the World” to “From the World to Bloemfontein” with a show that promises to have the last laugh at the Pacofs – Sand du Plessis theatre on 2 September.
The Bloemfontein International Comedy Festival is the brainchild of the festival’s director, Kabelo Selogiloe who approached a local comedian, Chris Mapane, who is an international comedian himself, to discuss the possibilities of hosting a festival of this magnitude. “He told me that he will be celebrating 18 years in the industry at the end of August so we would like to introduce the world to his province for his big day,” said Selogiloe.
Selogiloe further said that as South Africa is at the forefront of the global conversation, hosting this event and international comedians will be the boost Bloemfontein needs to be part of the bigger conversation. “Comedians on this lineup use observational humour style of comedy so our audience will get to see the world and our country through the eye of the world,” he said.
Chris Mapane will host the night filled with laughs performed by comedians from different parts of the continent and the United States of America (USA). “Locals can expect to see a variety of experienced comedians from all over the world diving into conversations about our history as Africans and what America thinks about us. All in the name of fun, they will get to forget about the struggles of life and enjoy the company of open-minded individuals from Africa and abroad.”
From flights, accommodation, domestic travel, and activities that will give the guests an experience of the Free State, the festival will not only be an experience for locals but will be an opportunity to show off the city to international comedians.
“The Free State Province has talent that deserves to be seen by the world. Pacofs, hosting the International Festival, provides a platform for Free State comedians to have a good training ground in their backyard. At the moment Free State only has two comedians who do comedy abroad. We believe the Pacofs initiative will assist in more comedians performing in such shows and we will get to export our talent to the world.” Tickets are available from R300 at webticket and at the Pacofs Booking Office.
Gypseenia Lion
gypseenia@mahareng.co.za
