From September, people at the UT can, once again, physically visit performances, lessons and cultural courses. However, it will not be without restrictions, explains Tineke Grootenboer, coordinator Performing Arts & Publicity of Culture & Events at the University of Twente. ‘We want to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, and so we will not ask people to show proof of test or vaccination before entry. But that means we need to adhere to the 1,5 meter distance rule.’
Smaller groups
This limits the capacity of cultural events. ‘Groups will need to be smaller,’ continues Grootenboer. ‘In order to keep the 1,5 meter distance and keep everyone safe, we can fill up maximum 25 seats in the Amphitheater and maximum 60 seats in Agora, the biggest room in Vrijhof. Only events held outdoors can welcome 75 people.’
This, however, doesn't necessarily apply to all cultural activities in Vrijhof. While the professional offer from Culture & Events doesn't require any tests before entry, to visit a performance by InSPE (International Student Productions Enschede) on September 18 and 19, a test for access will be required. Other student associations are also free to use access tests for their performances.
If people want to attend a course or a performance, they should register or buy tickets upfront. This also counts for open lessons, which you could normally walk into without prior registration in the past. Visitors will also need to wear a facemask until they are seated. At performances, everyone will be escorted to their seat and out of the room by an employee.
Programme
Due to last year’s lockdown, many courses and events were moved to this season. ‘We felt obligated to the artists we booked last year and tried to reschedule as much as possible,’ explains Grootenboer. ‘However, we also have a lot of completely new additions, such as new courses in songwriting and DJ’ing.’
highlights
Tineke Grootenboer highlights a few of the performances planned for the coming months.
- Climate comedy about food, taking place during the Sustainability Week on Campus: George & Eran worden veganisten on 11 October
- Special dance performance OMG by Igor Vrebac on 14 October
- The silent movie project: Laurel and Hardy, classic cinema accompanied by live music, on 24 November
- Meet while we eat, weekly outdoor meetings with the employees of Culture & Events, starting on 9 September
Open classes have already begun and the first performance, the Global Comedy Night, should take place on the 15th of September. ‘We really hope everything can go on,’ says Grootenboer. ‘Last year we had to stop everything after just a few weeks. If there is another lockdown, we will look for alternative solutions, but I pray that won’t be necessary this time. Culture is part of the academic education and it connects people. It is something you need to experience in real life and share it with others.’
