As I was scrolling down my Facebook newsfeed at the weekend I came across posts showing the spectacular stage set up at Athlone Stadium for the annual Spring Queen pageant.
The lighting looked amazing and if it wasn’t for the 3D view of the event, one would not even know this was at Athlone.
I always admire event organisers who go the extra mile to maintain high standards.
This got me thinking about our beloved Kaapse Klopse competition which also takes place there.
For many years now, when it comes to the singing items we always find ourselves on top of a little rostrom with no professional lighting, except for the floodlights that go on at a certain time at night.
At times the wind can get quite bad at the stadium and one could always see the ouens holding huge umbrellas or banners to help block the wind from blowing into the microphones, distorting the sound.
CROWN: Spring Queen winners enjoyed the benefit of a regte stage en set-up
This has in the past resulted in teams losing an item into which they have invested a lot of effort, time and money.
I’ve attended spectacular events at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Grand Arena at GrandWest and open-air concerts, so have a good idea of what production value is and what it does to enhance an event.
We are living in a city that hosts an international jazz festival and comes December, we are treated to a magnificent show at the switching on of the festive lights.
So why in 2018 must the Kaapse Klopse still perform on a tiny little platform in a huge stadium?
Although I must add, the authenticity of the Klopse lies in our music and our colourful costumes, and our sense of community, and not in the size of the stage.
But speaking from a show business background, our intention with every production is always to take it up a notch.
That doesn’t mean changing the show, it’s just adding small touches, like a light, sound effect, or costume change.
When I look at last year’s magnificent season, I cannot help but think what a difference a bigger stage can do to take us to the next level.
We should also look at investing in big screens so people in the back row can see more clearly. So they can see the passion on the faces of the minstrels, and also better enjoy the comic expressions of the Moppie singers.
This is just a suggestion, for now, some food for thought for the future.
SPECTACULAR: The annual Spring Queen pageant has a proper stage for their event
We mos know a lot of the teams’ budgets go into transport and the Tweede Nuwejaar road march.
Last year was also a huge success with regards to time management.
In my opinion, I do not think there is much more we can do for now for the beautiful game of klops, except to push up the production value and have it broadcast on TV.
Showcasing a well-produced Klopse season can only uplift this culture and draw investors, something we need if we mean to keep this culture alive and thriving.
With that said, I am excited to see what the Kaapse Klopse Karnivaal Association has in store for us this year.
Klops is the biggest cultural phenomenon in our country and deserves to be showcased on a big, bright stage.