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08 July 2021 | Story Rulanzen Martin | Photo Supplied
For Prof Anthea van Jaarsveld, the balance between science, theoretical and practical experience is important for a balanced industry.

Her unique approach to Drama and Theatre Arts makes Prof Anthea van Jaarsveld the most suitable person to take over the reins as Head of the UFS Department of Drama and Theatre Arts. Prof Van Jaarsveld was officially appointed as head of this special department this year. 

The Department of Drama at the UFS is one of the biggest in the country, and according to Prof Van Jaarsveld it is also the best, because the department produces some of the finest in the industry. Her main goal as head of department is to bring about a subtle change in emphasis that will ultimately make a real contribution to employability, a greater variety of job opportunities, and practice-orientated research. “My ultimate goal is therefore an approach within which academy and practice will find each other for the benefit of both,” says Prof Van Jaarsveld.

Science, theatre and drama collide 

Prof Van Jaarsveld has a scientific approach to drama and theatre arts. She never acted professionally. It is precisely from a scientific perspective that her knowledge of the theorising and contextualisation of drama text, theatre concepts, and the film industry is applied in order to maintain a balance in a profession where the emphasis on practical experience is overwhelming.  

She studied Drama at the UFS and was also employed as Drama teacher at Eunice Girls’ School. Following this, she started working as lecturer in the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch. “There I focused on the Drama genre in Afrikaans; therefore, I never actually left drama and theatre,” says Prof Van Jaarsveld. In 2018, she returned to the Department of Drama. 

Upon her return to the department where she started her studies, her aim is to ensure that the department again complies with the total package of the UFS and to make sure “that our students are prepared for a multifaceted and dynamic industry on a practical level”. 

Prof Van Jaarsveld took over from Prof Nico Luwes who retired in 2019. 

News Archive

Ferial Haffajee among graduates at Summer Graduation
2016-12-02

Description: Summer graduation Tags: Summer graduation 

A total of 124 master’s, 37 doctoral degrees, and
464 undergraduate degrees are conferred on students from
all seven faculties during the Summer Graduations.
Photo: Johan Roux

Graduation is a time to celebrate and to reap the fruits of hard work. The journalist Ferial Haffajee (Humanities) will be among the 124 master’s and 37 doctoral students receiving their qualifications in all seven faculties at the Summer Graduation of the University of the Free State (UFS). At the ceremonies on 8 December 2016 in the Callie Human Centre on the Bloemfontein Campus, the university will also confer 264 Education qualifications to students from its South Campus, as well as 200 undergraduate degrees in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Haffajee joins likes of Tutu and others

Haffajee, a renowned newspaper editor whose expertise has made her one of the most prominent journalists in South Africa, will receive an honorary doctorate at the morning ceremony. Until recently she was the editor-in-chief of City Press newspaper. She joins the likes of Desmond Tutu, and others who have received honorary doctorates at the UFS.

Earlier this year, four distinguished individuals also received honorary doctorates from the university. They were Max du Preez, Trevor Manuel, Prof Joel Samoff, and Dr Reuel Jethro Khoza. The Summer Graduation once again promises to deliver the cream of academic excellence.

Dr Rakometsi to address UFS graduates

The guest speaker at both ceremonies is Dr Mafu Rakometsi, Chief Executive Officer of Umalusi. Dr Rakometsi also serves on the board of the Council of Higher Education. He is deeply committed to see the South African education system function at an optimum level in order to give all children equal educational opportunities.

Master’s and Doctoral degrees: All faculties

Date: 8 December 2016
Place: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus
Time: 09:00

Education qualifications – South Campus, as well as undergraduate degrees in the Faculty of Health Sciences
Date: 8 December 2016
Place: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus
Time: 14:30

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