: : ? 03 Kafka’s masterpiece pivots around the notion of alienation – the estrangement from the self as a consequence of a monotonous existence in which a person disconnects from their humanity. The inescapable truth is that a degree of metamorphosis is always at play but instead of our mindless submission I believe that we have the ability to manipulate our own metamorphosis and to create – reimagine – the world in which we want to live. That is exactly what UJ Arts & Culture is setting out to accomplish in 2018. Like in Greek mythology, we will harness the power of metamorphosis to our benefit and challenge our thinking, deepen our understanding and elevate our humanity. Steven Berkoff’s stage adaptation of Kafka’s Metamorphosis is therefore an ideal anchor for our programme of change. The staging of the play will be the culmination of a year-long process, which involves more than 300 students and lecturers from different departments in the Faculty of EDITOR’S NOTE #METAMORPHOSIS UJ ARTS & CULTURE’S “AS GREGOR SAMSA AWOKE ONE MORNING FROM UNEASY DREAMS HE FOUND HIMSELF TRANSFORMED IN HIS BED INTO A GIGANTIC INSECT.” – FRANZ KAFKA, THE METAMORPHOSIS Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) working on various design and development aspects of the play as part of their course work. Looking at our creative programme through the thematic lens of metamorphosis is the ideal stimulus for alignment with the University’s drive to participate meaningfully in decolonisation and transformation. What we have tried to achieve as a framework for rigorous dialogue, and as a platform for cutting-edge creative expression, is a multi- disciplinary, multi-faceted and multi-plural programme. It features brand new jazz, poetry and youth arts festivals, a music concert series, stand-up comedy shows, drama and dance seasons, and exhibitions. The programme is augmented by PhD residencies, local and international performing arts residencies, lectures, workshops and conferences. #METAMORPHOSIS endeavours to offer continued >>