The Vrystaat Arts Festival takes place from 1-7 July at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein. At this year's edition, two female Flemish authors - Annelies Verbeke and Saskia de Coster - will engage with other writers and the audience in a number of interesting panel discussions:

The ties that bind

Tammy Fray is in conversation with a.o. Saskia de Coster about family and the ties that bind us.

ATKV-Boeke-oase (Main Hall), 2 July, 10:00

The short story: the essence of human experience

In this discussion, Tildie Smit talks to acclaimed short story writer Annelies Verbeke about her anthologies.

ATKV-Boeke-oase (Main Hall), 3 July, 15:00

What women write: love, ambition, grief

Flemish authors Saskia de Coster and Annelies Verbeke and Dutch writer Wytske Versteeg explore the dualities of love and death, truth and ambition. Three women writers converse about what it means to be a woman and a human being.

ATKV-Boeke-oase (Main Hall), 4 July, 13:30

Becoming Human

A panel discussion with local and international women authors examining what it means to be human. With a.o. Annelies Verbeke and Saskia de Coster.

ATKV-Boeke-oase (Main Hall), 4 July, 18:00