Stellenbosch University Vensters

Stellenbosch University Vensters

Stellenbosch is preparing to welcome thousands of spectators at the annual Vensters Street Theatre on Friday night (30 January). The event is held all over the campus of Stellenbosch University (SU).
According to the organisers, this year’s productions promises to be the best yet with 19 productions taking place all over campus (see attached map). Some 5000 new students take part in the productions.

Vensters forms part of the MAD² program. MAD² (Making A Decision 2 Make A Difference) is a fun, student-driven, fundraising project in aid of Matie Community Service (MCS), better known as “MGD” – Matie Gemeenskapsdiens.
“Spectators can expect an explosion of sound and colour as the 19 house partnerships illustrate their interpretation of this year’s theme, Challenge Accepted“, says James de Villiers, Vensters Coordinator. “Via innovative and creative storylines and original dances, spectators are taken on a journey through the imaginary world of the students, each world being unique.”
According to De Villiers, the interpretations of the theme vary from ancient exploration to animated adventure.
He adds that the MAD² team aims to make this year’s Vensters the safest yet. Almost triple the normal number of security guards and numerous safety officials from all the residence partners will be present at all the productions.  No alcohol is allowed at Vensters.
All funds raised during the MAD² program are in aid of Matie Community Service (MCS) which funds the student-driven community interaction projects. These projects are targeted at uplifting the Stellenbosch community and instilling a culture of giving back amongst students.
Load shedding
Load shedding on Friday night (at 20:00 according to Eskom’s Stage 1). However, a contingency plan, coined  “MAD stage one”, is in place. “When the lights go down, Stellenbosch goes picnicking!” says De Villiers.
Visitor, students and their parents are encouraged to enjoy the evening around a picnic. There are allocated spots for each production area which will be glass, alcohol and smoke-free zones and will be equipped with a generator. Extra safety marshals and security officers have been secured to ensure that the public is safe at all times.
The public is invited to bring picnic baskets along. The productions will resume at 22:00 and will then continue until 00:00.
“I believe that this challenge will prove the power of a campus coming together. The contingency plan requires of every partnership and committee to do their part to ensure a safe and successful blackout,” says Daniella Potgieter, MAD²Chairperson.

• MAD² Vensters Street Theatre starts at 18:00 on Friday 30 January with performances of 10 minutes each being repeated over the course of the night. Tickets are R20 each (valid for all the productions) and are available at each production’s entrance, in the Eikestad Mall or at the SRC Office in the Neelsie.

Trapkarre
New to the MAD² programme is Trapkarre, which will take place on Saturday afternoon at 14:00 in Victoria Street in Stellenbosch. Residences will race each other with these “trapkarre” to see who will take the crown. Entrance is free.

• Contact James de Villiers on  021 808 3637 for more information. Media passes are available from Martin Viljoen at tel 021 808 4921, 082 775 2396 or media@sun.ac.za .
• Click here for a short video of Vensters 2014.

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