ENC: BLIZZARD COMING
Newly-arrived winter has covered the streets of Brno with snow, and preparations for Christmas are in full swing. We here at JAMU were not going to be left out. That's why on 5th December, 2023 the Christmas party "ENC: BLIZZARD COMING" took place as part of the Off-Programme of the International Festival of Theatre Schools SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER.
This evening was an opportunity to spend time with all the people involved in the festival preparations, but not only them. We were happy to welcome other JAMU students to the event, including Erasmus students and anyone from the public. The party took place in the KUMST (community space for creativity and culture in Brno), which was provided for us by members of the OFF Programme section. And they further enhanced the space with lighting, sound and refreshments.
Just like before a storm, there was silence and calm before our party. Around 6:00 p.m., when the program began, the room slowly began to fill up. The evening's program could then begin, with a speech by the Dean of the Theatre Faculty, Petr Francán, and our Festival Director, Sonja Špačková. Then the Jánoch dulcimer band took the stage. So the entertainment slowly started to get underway. After the dulcimer band finished, DJ Stan Villa came on and the mood of the evening did not let up for a moment. 90’s style music was played for us until the end of the party.
I would like to mention one important part of the program, namely the introduction of this year's Core Organising Team for the festival. It is made up of 3rd year theatre management and stage technology students. We were guided through the presentation by the Festival Director Sonja, who introduced everyone by name. Next, the theme of the upcoming festival was revealed to all attendees. And as hinted above, this theme is Bouře/Storm. A storm of creativity, inspiration, and youth, which beautifully captures the very essence of the festival. I would also like to mention the author of the graphics, Martin Modrý, who graduated from JAMU last year with a degree in directing.
For the rest of the evening, everyone indulged in dancing and good cheer. And so we were able to hide from the storm of the approaching New Year, which will bring our "favourite" exam period. I don't think there was a single person who wouldn't have enjoyed this evening. Studying and working at the festival is often demanding, and the moments when we can all meet outside of school and spend carefree, fun-filled moments together are all the more precious.
