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08 July 2025 | Story Tshepo Tsotetsi | Photo Supplied
Vrystaat Arts Festival 2025
Come and experience the arts that make life meaningful at the 2025 Vrystaat Arts Festival from 15 to 19 July 2025 on the University of the Free State Bloemfontein Campus.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to once again open its Bloemfontein Campus to one of South Africa’s most beloved cultural traditions – the Vrystaat Arts Festival – taking place from 15 to 19 July 2025. This year marks 25 years since the UFS first became a partner of the festival, a milestone that celebrates not only a rich artistic legacy but also a deep-rooted commitment to creativity, community, and connection.

Adding much significance this year is the presence of the UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester C. Klopper, who will be experiencing the festival for the very first time as part of the UFS community.

“It has been a quarter of a century of growth, togetherness, multi-faceted inspiration, and joyful celebration,” says Prof Klopper.

“This partnership … embodies our fundamental commitment to social impact and our belief that universities should be catalysts for cultural development and social cohesion.”

With theatre, literature, music, film, visual arts, interactive exhibitions, and a strong showing by UFS students and staff, the festival is a multi-sensory celebration of South African talent and thought.

A highlight of the programme is a tribute to Prof Nico Luwes, a beloved figure in Free State theatre and former Head of the UFS Department of Drama. Prof Klopper will also lead this year’s UFS Thought-Leader Panel Discussion on 17 July at 12:00, unpacking the theme ‘Reimagining Higher Education for Employability and Sustainability’ in the Albert Wessels Auditorium.

Two exciting book launches will further enrich the programme:

  • Thinking Through Food in South Africa: Identities, Embodiment and Representation co-edited by Prof Vasu Reddy, UFS Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, and Prof Lebo Moletsane from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (15 July), and

  • Research and Activism: Ruth First and Activist Research co-edited by Prof Saleem Badat, Research Professor in the UFS Department of History, and Prof Reddy (16 July).

As Prof Klopper reflects:

“This festival strengthens the bonds between our university and the broader Free State community, embodying the spirit of ubuntu that defines our institution.”

With fresh energy, familiar traditions, and a quarter-century of memories, the 2025 Vrystaat Arts Festival is set to be a celebration like no other.

 

Here are just some of the UFS contributions to this year’s festival:

 

Department of Drama

Die bruikbare idioot 
Verbode Gedagtes in Stereo
Rooikappie en die Drie Varkies 
Gebou soos Steffi Graf
The semblance of permanence
Willemien en Meraaitjie en Willie Wragtig die Troeteldrakie! 
Bielie 
Die Moedige Avonture van Prinses Petronella 
Harte-Bliksems 
Perspectives on Perspectives of Love 
The Masks 
 

 

Visual Arts

In Resonance 
Oh no! She swallowed a fly! 
Sticks and figures drawing workshop 

 

 

Literature 

Thinking Through Food in South Africa: Identities, Embodiment and Representation  
Henriette Grové, bekende dramaturg en prosaïs 
Sy word Sestig!  
Transponering van romans na dramas en/of films 
Van Egoli via 7de Laan tot in Binnelanders
Hulde aan die helde: Nico Luwes  
Research and Activism: Ruth First and Activist Research 
Spookstories van CJ Langenhoven 
Sprankelverse uit die oude doos 
 

 

Vlieks

Cleanse 
Echoes of the Land 
Sehlabelo 
Lag en Legende: ’n Wandeling deur die loopbaan van Tobie Cronjé  
 

 

Sci-ed

Sci-Ed interactive exhibits 
Sci-Ed Science Café 
Sci-Ed Science Café: Sterre en Planete 
Science@Dinner 
Science Show at Sci-Ed 
Sci-Ed Stargazing 
Wetenskapvertoning by Sci-Ed  
Make your bath bombs 
Make and launch your own parachute  
Make your own marshmallows 
Make your own rocket 
 

 

Planetarium

Bedreigings vir Aarde: satelliete, asteroïede en meer … 
Max Goes to the Moon 
Mysteries of your Brain 
Passport to the Universe / Ruimtevorms 
Threats to Earth: satellites, asteroids, and more … 
Wêrelde buite die Aarde 

Worlds Beyond Earth

Entrance tickets to the festival grounds and the theatre productions are already on sale at Webtickets 

Come and experience the arts that make life meaningful.

News Archive

Rag 2005
2005-01-20

20 January
Thursday

08:00-12:00 Rag Workshop - Westblock 202

Workshops are held to introduce the First Year
students to the work that is done by Rag & Kovsco
and the importance of their social responsibility towards their community.

10:30-11:30 Lettie Fouchè

The Central Rag committee visits and treats the children of Lettie Fouchè School.

Evening Collections - Mochacos, Waterfront

First years work hard to raise money via door
to door collections in the neighbourhoods of
Bloemfontein for charity. First years dress-up as
chickens and prizes can be won every night.


21 January
Friday

08:00-12:00 Rag Workshop - Westblock 202

Workshops are held to introduce the First Year
students to the work that is done by Rag & Kovsco
and the importance of their social responsibility towards their community.


22 January
Saturday

08:30 for 09:00 Ladies Tea
in conjunction with Sarie
co-sponsored by Audi & Pick’nPay Hypermarket

An enjoyable morning where the ladies of Bloemfontein and surrounding areas are treated with beautiful
layed tea tables and guest artists. The host of every table participate in a competition and prize winners for the most beautiful tables are announced. The guest artist for Ladies Tea 2005 is Nataniel.


24 January
Monday Evening Collections - Mochachos, Waterfront

First years work hard to raise money via door to door collections in the neighbourhoods of Bloemfontein for charity. First years dress-up as chickens and prizes can be won every night.

25 January
Tuesday
08:30-16:00 MGD Coronation Ball tickets for sale
29 January 2005
Sand du Plessis Theatre
R260 per couple

The prestige evening of Kovsie Rag filled with
great music, sound and a vibrant show. The MGD
Rag Queen and her princesses are crowned and Rag
also makes use of this opportunity thank its
sponsors.

16:00 Vote for Rag Finalists at men’s hostels float-
building areas

Students have the opportunity to vote for their
favourite Rag finalists at the float building areas.

17:00-22:00 Evening Collections - Mochachos, Waterfront

First years work hard to raise money via door
to door collections in the neighbourhoods of
Bloemfontein for charity. First years dress-up as
chickens and prizes can be won every night.


26 January
Wednesday

22:00 MGD Rag Finalist Mass - Scholtz Hall

An exciting mass is held for the students to introduce
the 10 beautiful Rag finalists.

27 January
Thursday

08:00 Ritsim Launch - City Lodge

Ritsim 2005 is launched and introduced to the
UFS Top Management and the sponsors.

09:00-16:00 Campus vote for MGD Rag Finalists at various
voting stations.

Various voting stations are placed on campus for the students to vote for their favourite MGD Rag finalists.

Voting stations: Callie Human; Soetdoring Cafeteria; Library; Medical Cafeteria and at the Thakaneng Bridge.

17:00-22:00 Evening Collections - Mochachos, Waterfront

First years collect money for charity


28 January
Friday Ritsim Bloemfontein City Sales

6:30 Brace your self for the students around every corner
on the streets of Bloemfontein. Support Kovsie RAG
and buy a Ritsim 2005 magazine.
R10 per copy

16:00-22:00 Potjiekos - Vodacom & Tiger Brands
(Unite for Hunger)
Coca Cola Fortune & ABSA

Students enjoy a great evening of potjiekos and try their best to persuade the judges that their potjiekos is the best. Music and entertainment is organized.

29 January
Saturday

05:00 Ritsim Rural Town Sales

The students drive off into the country to sell the Ritsim magazines in various towns. R10 per copy.


18:00 for 18:30 MGD Coronation Ball
Sand du Plessis Theatre
R260 per couple

The crowning of the RAG Queen is a spectacular
evening not to be missed. It is an evening filled with
vibrant music and colour and you will also be treated
with a great show. Kovsie Rag also thanks its
sponsors on this prestige evening.


30 January
Monday

13:00-14:00 Sent placing - Thakaneng Bridge

Come and donate your change and it place it on a letter of a hostel of your choice.


5 February
Saturday

08:00-10:00 ENGEN RAG Procession

Proud Kovsie students have worked very hard on their floats and can’t wait for this day. Please come and enjoy a great day with Kovsie RAG and your family.

Procession Route: The Procession starts at the Kovsie Church. The procession proceeds in Nelson Mandela Drive and turn right into Markgraaff street. We then turn right into Kingsway and stop in front of the stage at the Art Market. Prof. Fourie introduces a toast on Rag 2005 and enjoys a glass of champagne with our
beautiful Rag Queen and her princesses.

Please support the first years in put your change into their collection tins.

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