In a particularly candid and comprehensive programme note, Professor Alan Crump addressed some of the concerns that had been raised by members of the public and media over the past few years. Reading it today, it is striking to see how many of the challenges faced by the Festival in 1997 still strike a chord today. He describes a delicate balancing act that the Festival has had to consider every year since its inception:

“During a time when so many involved in cultural pursuits in this country are battling to survive, the Standard Bank National Arts Festival Committee is proud of the very strong programme for the 1997 Festival. People may worry, and not without reason, about the government’s commitment to the arts, about sources of funding and about public apathy, but they do not have to be concerned about our artists. They are alive and well and performing in Grahamstown.

The striking originality of multi-faceted productions should allay any fears about the health of local drama. Most encouraging is the way in which writers and directors are drawing on the riches, past and present, of different cultures to fashion new works. Collaborations, between polished professionals and lively community groups – to the enrichment of all concerned, augur well for the future…

But it should be noted that sponsorship, generous though it is, does not meet all the expenses of mounting the National Arts Festival. We are heavily dependent on ticket sales to offset expenditure. Fingers are sometimes pointed at us for presenting work that is perceived to be commercial and popular rather than challenging. We do try to keep a balance between the two, but our critics need to know that there is a limit to the risks we can take. But, rest assured, we do take risks…

However, the Festival Committee does not disregard criticism. The festival has been going for over two decades, surviving through some of the darkest times in South Africa’s history. This would not have been permissible had the organisers not constantly assessed what they were doing, taking note of comments both negative and positive. We thank the media and our many loyal supporters for the important role they have played and still play in this process. We need their interest and support, the brickbats as well as the bouquets.”