UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) proudly presents its anticipated annual Arts Academy showcase—a celebration of UJ’s student’s artistic talents. This event, generously extended to our students and the public, promises to ignite the senses with an enthralling array of diverse and creative expressions.
At UJ, the Arts Academy shines brightly as a core part of our university experience. We believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our dynamic extramural programme encompasses poetry, drama, contemporary dance, adult ballet and photography, all designed to unlock the full potential of our students. We are committed to ensuring that every UJ student has abundant opportunities to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of the arts during their time here.
Complementing this, our division’s Arts Appreciation initiative extends a warm invitation, providing registered UJ students with exclusive access to a spectrum of both complimentary and subsidized arts and cultural experiences. These include concerts, theatre productions, film screenings, series of masterclasses and thought-provoking exhibitions.
At the heart of our mission lies a profound belief in the transformative power of the arts. We recognize their immense capacity to foster essential skills, equipping our students for the challenges that lie ahead as they embark on their future journey.
The centrepiece of the 2023 Arts Academy showcase is an opulent tapestry woven from our students’ year-long dedication across a multitude of artistic disciplines. Eager audiences can anticipate captivating performances, spanning the realms of dramatic arts, evocative dance, soul-stirring poetry, and a visually striking exhibition featuring our photography students.
Programme:
DAY 1 (27 September):
- Finding Our Feet – An electrifying dance performance by UJ Arts Academy dance students, inviting the audience on an exhilarating journey of self-discovery and unwavering determination. The dancers constantly need to listen to the voice inside, helping them to stay motivated in pursuing their dreams.
Time: 18:00 -19:00 (First year showcase)
19:30 – 20:30 (Second year showcase)
Location: UJ Arts Centre, UJ Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
- Poetry Slam – An enthralling competition featuring top 10 poetic virtuosos of the UJ Arts Academy poets, wherein individuals and teams deliver original works, each a testament to their distinctive literary prowess and captivating storytelling abilities.
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Location: UJ Arts Centre, UJ Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
DAY 2 (28 September):
- Soliloquies & Symphonies – A spellbinding presentation by our first-year drama students, offering a glimpse into their artistic odyssey, a tapestry interwoven with drama, movement, and the art of ensemble.
Time: 18:00 – 19:00
Location: UJ Arts Centre, UJ Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
- We’re All in This Together – Second year performing arts students delve into the intricacies of scene work, where each of their pieces speak to the power of collaboration and ensemble in a time when we need to rebuild community now more than ever.
Time: 19:30 – 20:30
Location: UJ Arts Centre, UJ Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
- 1001 Nights Extracts – This showcase explores the complexities of power and status through “Doubt”, the consequences of war and relationship as explored through “Lysistrata”, the struggles of the rainbow nation as presented in “Stand in the Sun”, the issue of identity and belonging in “Rainbow Scars” as well as the dark nature of parenting, identity through “Baby in the Bathwater” and 1001 nights extracts. The scenes are each woven together to create a montage of stories that connect to our humanhood.
Time: 21:00 – 21:50
Location: UJ Arts Centre, UJ Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
- Poetry Slam – An enthralling competition featuring the top 10 poetic virtuosos of the UJ Arts Academy poets, wherein individuals and teams deliver original works, each a testament to their distinctive literary prowess and captivating storytelling abilities.
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Location: UJ Arts Centre, UJ Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
DAY 3 (29 September):
- An Old Acquaintance – A poetic odyssey that thoughtfully responds to Seitlhamo Motsapi’s poignant poem, ‘The Man.’ This journey takes us deep into the intricate realms of identity, heritage, and the ever-evolving fabric of society. ‘An Old Acquaintance’ invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. As the lines between the past and present blur, you will find yourself immersed in a poetic dialogue that challenges perspectives and touches the heart.
Time: 18:00 – 19:30
Location: UJ Arts Centre, UJ Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
- Poetry Slam Finale – An enthralling competition featuring the poetic virtuosos of the UJ Arts Academy poets, wherein individuals and teams deliver original works, each a testament to their distinctive literary prowess and captivating storytelling abilities.
Time: 19:45 – 21:30
Location: UJ Arts Centre, UJ Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Photography Exhibition:
Our exceptional photography students have meticulously curated a breathtaking exhibition, available for viewing on the 27 and 28 September. The crowning jewel, the announcement of the exhibition winner, will take place on the 29 September.
We extend a cordial invitation for you to immerse yourself in this extraordinary showcase of talent, creativity, and artistic innovation. Mark your calendars, for an enchanting evening awaits within the vibrant world of the UJ Arts Academy!
Tickets are now available on Plankton. Tickets for registered University of Johannesburg students cost R50 per day, while general admission tickets cost R80 per day.
There is also a R40 per ticket group booking discount if you purchase 10 tickets for the same day.
For further information, please contact:
Asiphe Mbuli
Email: asiphem@uj.ac.za
Telephone: 0115595678
About UJ Arts & Culture:
UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts. In addition to UJ Arts & Culture, FADA offers programmes in eight creative disciplines in art, design and architecture, as well as being home to the NRF SARChI Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture, and the Visual Identities in Art & Design Research Centre.
About UJ Arts Academy:
The UJ Arts Academy, an integral part of the University of Johannesburg’s commitment to holistic student development, is a dynamic centre for artistic exploration and cultural engagement. Open to registered students university-wide, our extramural program offers a diverse range of classes and workshops in poetry, drama, contemporary dance, and ballet.
Through our Arts Appreciation Program, students gain access to complimentary and subsidized arts and culture experiences, including concerts, productions, film screenings, and exhibitions. These experiences enrich lives and broaden horizons.
We believe in the value of practicing and enjoying the arts, as they develop essential skills for the future. Engaging with the arts has proven benefits, from enhancing well-being to fostering emotional intelligence and critical thinking.