After more than four decades in the entertainment industry and 19 years of living abroad, Karin Hougaard is set to return to the South African stage with her unique performance, Kaalvoet, at the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees on October 11. The show, which will take place at 15:00 in the Drostdy Theatre, promises an intimate and personal look at Hougaard's work and life as an artist. Hougaard is known for her barefoot performances, and Kaalvoet will feature a stripped-down and personal blend of music and text.
Kaalvoet explores themes such as longing, love, alienation, womanhood, sensuality, and aging, drawing from Hougaard's experiences across three continents: South Africa, Europe, and North America. The performance will feature a mix of Hougaard's original compositions and her interpretations of well-known songs, including "Muse", "Sterrereën", "Stilbly", "Daar's ek", and "Heimwee", as well as "Summertime", which she will combine with "Thula". Her English repertoire will include "You Don't Own Me", "Uninvited" by Alanis Morissette, and her rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You".
One of Hougaard's most famous songs, "Kruietuin", has become a part of Afrikaans literature, with its text prescribed as poetry for grade 11 Afrikaans learners and included in the latest FAK songbook. Hougaard has established herself as a singer, composer, writer, actress, and painter over the years. She has recently settled in Pearly Beach in the Overstrand, and her performances in South Africa have been relatively rare in recent decades.
Theatre critic Diane de Beer has described Hougaard as a performer who throws her "whole body and soul into a performance". This approach is central to Kaalvoet, which combines music, text, light, and silence to create an intimate theatre experience. Hougaard has also built a special artistic connection with Dutch artist Herman van Veen, with whom she recorded the song "Als ik Zeg" for his album Herman van Veen Plus in 2025.
The influence of Dutch kleinkuns can be heard in Kaalvoet, particularly in "Anders Anders" and "Bij Mij", a joint composition by Hougaard and Anne van Veen. Hougaard will be accompanied by musicians Leon Ecroignard and Luke van der Merwe at the Stellenbosch performance. The show promises to be a unique and personal experience, with Hougaard's signature barefoot style and emotive performances.
Hougaard's return to the South African stage is highly anticipated, and Kaalvoet is expected to be a highlight of the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees. The performance will offer a rare opportunity for audiences to experience Hougaard's unique blend of music, storytelling, and poetry. With her extensive experience and artistic range, Hougaard is sure to deliver a memorable and impactful performance.
The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees will take place from October 11, with Kaalvoet being one of the main attractions. Audiences can expect a captivating and intimate performance from Hougaard, who will share her stories, songs, and poetry with the audience. The event promises to be a special experience for fans of Hougaard and those interested in exploring the intersection of music, literature, and performance.
Key points
- Karin Hougaard to perform at Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees on October 11 with her unique show Kaalvoet.
- The performance will feature a mix of Hougaard's original compositions and her interpretations of well-known songs.
- Hougaard's return to the South African stage is highly anticipated, and Kaalvoet is expected to be a highlight of the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees.
