Spier, in association with Third World Bunfight, presents the third iteration of Constellations which will run from 4 to 19 November, 2022. Visitors can expect a series of intimate, unusual performances set in the wilderness during the mysterious ‘liminal’ period from dusk to darkness.
Small groups of spectators are guided into the twilight on one of two routes along the banks of the Eerste Rivier. Each route links four beautiful sites in glades amongst the trees, each hosted by a ‘Guardian’: a performance artist, a dancer, a musician, a storyteller…
Spectators spend 20 minutes at each of the four sites on their route: four intense bursts of colour, sound and movement in gorgeous settings.
Brett Bailey joins the campfire circle, watching Fire Guardian Dizu Plaatjies
Theatre maker Brett Bailey, who is responsible for the direction of the performing arts program at Spier, has opted to feature only women artists this year: ‘It feels right to me to orientate the 2022 production around women in their power: it brings to mind the female revellers of Dionysian celebrations in ancient Greece, and the Yoruba priestess cults of the sacred groves of Nigeria. Collectively, this company of talented, diverse and interesting women, will give spectators something very special.’
Brett Bailey photographed by Victor Sguassero
As usual, Constellations is something of a mystery tour: spectators have no idea which of the artists they will encounter on their nocturnal journey. The Guardians this year include performance artists Nico Athene, Rehane Abrahams, Lorin Sookool and Mandri Sutherland; Flamenco dancer Ché Adams; singer-musicians Zimbini Makwethu, Ncebakazi Mnukwana, California Janson and Luh’ra.
‘Constellations is a multi-sensory, cultural encounter in the company of strangers in the depths of the woods,’ adds Bailey. ‘Like an enchanting trip into dreamland, lit by lanterns, and immersed in the sounds of frogs, insects and owls. Spectators will return to the city bathed in the power of nature, with vivid images imprinted on their minds.’
Constellations runs at Spier on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 19 November 2022 at 18h30 with arrival at 18h00. Tickets start at R200 per person and include a glass of Spier wine on arrival. For more info about the picnics please visit the Spier website.
PG: No under 12’s. Please note there is a twenty minute walk through the farm along uneven ground to the first stop so please remember to wear walking shoes and dress warmly.
Located only 40 minutes outside of Cape Town, Spier, one of Stellenbosch’s oldest wine farms, is the ideal winelands getaway destination with a host of leisure activities.
Performance artist Nico Athene, photography by Nick Aldridge