Founded in 1959, Handelsspexet is SASSE’s oldest independent project and the largest creative project in the association. Spex is a Swedish university tradition, existing in various forms across the country. Handelsspexet takes the form of a comedic musical theater show, complete with stunning acrobatics, cool scenography and mysterious guest appearances. Each year, the project starts by writing a complete comedical script based on real historical events or other stories, modified in a fun and exciting way, often making fun of current events and SSE. Once finished, the project continues its creative journey by designing and making scenography and props, along with costumes for all characters. The on-stage group is recruited, with actors, dancers, a choir and of course the band playing live for all musical performances. Handelsspexet also recruits a crew of off-stage roles like party-fixers, marketing, sponsorship and photographers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a great internal culture and an amazing spex. All this culminates in a spectacular performance in the spring, where external and internal viewers alike are invited to come and watch the play and can even influence it by shouting “omstart” followed by a prompt to the actors. The night is finished off with an unforgettable nightclub party for both project-members and viewers.
Handelsspexet is SASSE’s biggest creative project, averaging around 50-60 participants working on all sorts of different aspects of the show. This, of course, means that it really is a project for anyone. Regardless of interests and experiences, desire for on-stage or off-stage contribution, anyone can find a role that suits them in Spexet.
– Spex Generals 25/26: Vijisha Kamal, Marthe-Sarah Nkambou Tchunkuo