The popular and thought provoking Discourse programme tackles issues that affect all South Africans. Whether you want to know more about politics, science, finance and investing, theatre makers, or what concerns students right now, there is a probing discussion with experts that you can attend. Some are solely in Afrikaans, but many are bilingual and for those with limited Afrikaans there are several discussions conducted in English.
The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees takes place this year from 28 September to 6 October and the theme is “play”. Get your tickets at Quicket.
Science made easy. Members of the SU Faculty of Natural Sciences present the highly popular Science Café every year to loyal and enthusiastic followers. Interesting scientific issues of the day are presented in easy to understand language and encourage input and comment from the audiences. Two of the three presentations are in English and the third one is bilingual for those who have some Afrikaans. This is truly science for fun!
When (and not if) the next pandemic hits us (English)
International experts join SU faculty to talk about the forecasts of another pandemic.
Grieving for Nature (English)
Ecological grief, or more particular, climate grief is the sense of loss that people feel on experiencing or finding out about environmental destruction. Humanity at this stage is experiencing extensive environmental loss. How do we cope with the sense of loss as environmental devastation continues?
Get to know your mushrooms (English and Afrikaans)
Scientists depend on citizens to help document the thousands of elements that make up our biodiverse environments. In Africa it is thought that there are hundreds of species of mushrooms still to be “discovered” and catalogued. Come and listen to experts who show you how everyone can help.
The Discussion series has a little something for everyone. English speakers can listen to Mohhadiah Rafique talk about hip-hop as a commentary and interrogation of the society that surrounds it. In From Here to Nowhere, Lauren Grootboom talks about the history of Forced removals in South Africa with a group of speakers who will share their stories, observations and personal experiences and the intergenerational effect of forced removals on people and families. We know that our histories and stories are inextricably wrapped up in the food that we prepare and serve. Dr Amy Rommelspacher discusses the art works created by a group of students in response to their experiences with history and food through their interaction with NG Church archival material.
Our students are our future. Do we know their concerns? Do we understand how their experiences are shaping the future of our world? Come and spend some time with our young people as they talk about their view of our world. How does the conflict in Gaza affect students on the Stellenbosch University Campus and what is the role of higher education in supporting the discussion and the repercussions. Is there still room for playfulness in adulthood, or do we expect our young people to grow up too quickly? Does student life as a particular experience exist at Stellenbosch University? How do the diverse experiences of so many different students, social dynamics, campus culture and even technology influence the student experience?
These discussions are held in English and Afrikaans and free.
Have you ever wondered just what goes into the making of a theatre production? In this year’s Theatre Talks, Saartjie Botha talks to Lara Foot and the cast of the award-winning Othello about staging one of Shakespeare’s most well-known, but also contentious plays and the ways in which time and context influence interpretation. Saartjie also talks to Neil Coppen and Mpume Mthombeni about the Naledi award-winning production Isidlamlilo/The Fire Eater and the challenges and creativity involved in bringing to the stage a work that is grounded in political reality and personal experience and interrogates the role of a violent past in creating a violent democracy. Greq Maqoma, one of South Africa’s foremost dancers, choreographers and thought leaders, retires from performing after his two performances of Exit/Exist at Woordfees. Gillian Mitchell talks to this legendary South African performer about his work, his love of all things dance, and his vision of the future. Talks are an hour long and free.
Get the full Discourse programme here, and the complete Woordfees programme here.
