Join Dennis Stander for the launch of his debut book, Anthology of a Poet, in Cape Town

Poet and actor Dennis Stander is celebrating a major milestone with the launch of his first book, Anthology of a Poet, on Saturday, February 28.

The event at the Cresta Grande Hotel on Strand Street, Cape Town, promises an intimate experience, featuring Tyrone Da Silva (DJ Eazy) - the first artist to perform alongside Mr Stander during his One Man Stand in 2009. 

“I’m embracing what’s been given to me and taking bold steps on this journey of walking in my 'purpose aspris',” Mr Stander said.

 “I have gone through quite a journey in my life… for many years I searched from the outside to impact the inside because I didn’t realise that I was more than enough. Now I know that I am more than enough, and now I walk in my purpose aspris.”

The anthology is a collection of poetry written over the past 25 years, much of it drawn from emotional and personal experiences.

“It stems from abuse, the patriarchy of what it looks like to be masculine, my addiction to drugs and alcohol, soul-searching, and identity,” he said.

“Because of the work I’ve done in communities, I have met people who have faced similar struggles, and the poetry just falls into place - it reminds me of them.”

Despite earning an Honours degree in Speech and Drama, Mr Stander admits he initially disliked poetry. Yet his own writing became a source of healing.

“Studying the works of world-renowned poets would annoy me. My sister reminded me the other day that I would randomly tear pages out of her notebooks to write down my poetry. That’s what it was; it came from emotion and the way I was feeling at the time. Over the years, my writing has evolved and has taken on a lighter approach,” he said. 

In addition to his writing, Mr Stander, originally from Bridgetown, has pursued a career in performance, appearing in the local series Arendsvlei and the six-time South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA)-nominated film Old Righteous Blues as Oom David.

He also mentors youth and elderly writers, helping them find healing through creative expression.

The launch will be interactive, with poetry performed live alongside DJ Eazy rather than a traditional reading.

Tickets are R350 and include a signed copy of the book and canapés. It can be booked via WhatsApp on 081 323 1812.

Looking ahead, Mr Stander hopes to adapt his anthology into a stage production.

“Your story is your story, and it’s authentic; our communities are rich with stories that can also inspire,” he said.

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