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UFS arts triumph at Vrystaat Arts Festival

01 July 2019 | Story Rulanzen Martin | Photo Rulanzen Martin

Michelle Joubert and Jane Mpholo will be seen in The Island which is directed by Dr Jerry Mofokeng Wa Makhetha and Charl Henning, a Master's student.

The arts are one of the most important building blocks of any country or organisation, and it is also an important aspect at the University of the Free State (UFS). Therefore, the partnership between these two Free State institutions is important for the promotion of the arts in the province.

The Vrystaat Arts Festival is taking place on the Bloemfontein Campus of the UFS from 1 to 7 July 2019. Various UFS departments are involved in the programme, as well as in the technical and artistic planning of the festival.

UFS Drama and Theatre Arts make big contribution

“I was involved in the planning committee and as artistic selector from the beginning of the festival, and in recent years also as member of the festival board,” says Prof Nico Luwes, Head of the Department of Drama and Theatre Arts.

This department makes almost the biggest contribution to the festival, with various plays, such as The Island, which is directed by award-winning theatre maestro Jerry Mofokeng and Charl Henning, and two former students, Michelle Joubert and Jane Mamotse Mpholo in the cast, as well as technical assistance from staff and students. “Without the expertise of Thys Heydenrych as technical organiser and Brandon Hewitson as technical manager, the festival would not be possible,” says Prof Luwes.

“Our theatres are world-class, and the work of our students as technical and theatre personnel is described as outstanding by all theatre artists.”

Thought-Leader Series, Sol Plaatje lecture, and several book conversations

Since 2018, the UFS has also been involved in the annual UFS Thought-Leader Series, which was launched by Prof Francis Petersen, the UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor. The panel discussions deal with contemporary issues; this year’s topic is Economic Growth and Entrepreneurship for a Growing South Africa. The UFS will also present the Sol Plaatje lecture, which will be delivered by Diana Ferrus. Prof Petersen will also be part of a panel discussion with Prof Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, and Wandile Ngcaweni, about #FeesMustFall; the discussion will be facilitated by Ruda Landman.

The book by Prof Jan Coetzee of the Department of Sociology and Dr Asta Rau, from the Centre for Health Systems Research and Research, Narrating the Everyday, will also be discussed during the festival. So also, the book by Charl-Pierre Naude, research fellow in the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, German and French, Die ongelooflike onskuld van Dirkie Verwey.

News Archive

Bright young mind shines

2016-12-12

Description:Candice Thikeson Tags: Bowls longdesc=

Candice Thikeson, a Master’s
student in Arts History and
Image Studies at the University
of the Free State.
Photo: Anja Aucamp

“I was once told that I looked ‘immaculate’, as always. We use the word ‘immaculate’ to describe the Virgin Mary, does it get better than that?”

To everyone else, she may be a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, Bright Young Mind and Abe Bailey Travel Bursary candidate, but there is more to this beauty that meets the eye.

Relating to women in the humanities field

Candice Thikeson, who is currently a Master’s student in Art History and Image Studies, says “I have a very strong spiritual foundation and my relationship with God really fuels everything I do. I also think being intentional about building great relationships with your family and friends is imperative.”

She says she has been inspired by different people at different stages of her life and draws a great deal from academics, creatives and activists. She relates best to women who are in the humanities and draws inspiration from the likes of Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Kenya-born, Somalian poet Warsan Shire.

“I love how they are able to comment on some of the most pressing issues black women face through beautiful and poignant writing. I also admire how frank these women are, something I’m still learning to be,” Thikeson says.

Pursue something you are genuinely interested in

The biggest misconception people have of her is that she studies art and she is working towards becoming an artist. “Fine art and art history is not the same thing. I don’t paint or make art at university, and I really don’t enjoy being called an artist.”

When asked about how she has become so successful at such a young age, she reiterated the cliché: “pursue something you are genuinely interested in and passionate about”. She adds, “if you are really good at what you do, your gift will make room for you in your field”.

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