14 ‘(R)evolution of Words’ was performed by UJ Art Academy students Ally Roux, Nick Moyo, Ntakisi Shilubane, Hillary Nyikayaramba, Khanyisile Sibiya, Leah Mollink, Xolani Mbhele, and Tintswalo Masondo, with additional accompaniment by theatre and television professional Tina Redman. The production was performed at the Poetry Africa International Festival in Johannesburg and Durban, at the Albert Luthuli Art Centre in Durban, and during the UJ Arts Academy Showcase. Arts Academy Annual Showcase The Annual Arts Academy Showcase opened on the 15th of October at the Bunting Theatre on the Bunting Campus. The showcase was presented over four days, included four shows, two slam competitions, a semi-final and grand slam, and a photography exhibition. The Showcase opened with a sold-out dance production followed by two nights of drama, concluding with the poetry production and announcement of winners of the poetry slam and photography competitions: Adult Ballet Showcase: An appreciation for classical ballet in the landscape of a beautiful and diverse country, ‘Motherland Waltz’ explored the beauty of classical ballet while highlighting the percussive colour that Africanism has brought to ballet. Drama Showcase: The thematic approach for the first-year group was ‘This is Me’, and the title of the second-year production was ‘See the world through our eyes’. The third-year students presented ‘Whispers of Hope’, with the students exploring the many forms “hope” takes on. Dance Showcase: ‘Where we Belong’ celebrated the evolution of African indigenous movement and rhythm, and investigated how it had changed with time, and how modern society interprets it. Poetry Showcase: Written and performed by poets enrolled in the UJAC Poetry Programme, ‘Blacked-out’ sought to uncover hidden truths, through the artful act of redaction. Photography Club: ‘Remnants of Everyday Things’ took the audience on a journey into a world where the ordinary became extraordinary. This thematic approach challenged students to capture the subtle beauty, fleeting moments and overlooked details that surround us in our daily lives. Once-off open workshops and masterclasses The Dvision also offered an open series of once-off workshops for students who have an affinity for the arts but who are not currently in the Academy. These workshops were presented by creatives from various fields and institutions including seasoned researchers, artists, and professionals from South Africa and abroad. Workshops were attended by 474 students throughout the year. The 2024 Arts Appreciation Programme offered exclusive, no-cost access for UJ students, in addition to those in the Arts Academy, to a wide range of cultural events, including dance performances, theatre productions, and visual art exhibitions. A call for participants at the start of the year drew significant interest, with 499 dedicated students signing up and taking up 4 506 tickets to attend events. Collectively, attendance and participation in the Arts Academy, Arts Appreciation Programme and workshops for 2024 totals 1 338 students.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjU1NDYx