Arts

Premiere of new Kentridge work postponed

Ntombi Mashaba

The South African premiere of The Head & the Load by William Kentridge at Joburg Theatre will move to 6 – 14 August 2020.

The Head & the Load, with music composed and conceived by Philip Miller and Thuthuka Sibisi, has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Producer Rachel Chanoff said: “In light of President Ramaphosa’s declaration of a state of disaster, and after consulting William Kentridge, the performing company, our sponsors, supporters and key stakeholders, we feel it necessary to postpone the May season of The Head & the Load until August. Anyone with an existing booking can transfer it to the future performance dates or claim a full refund via the Joburg Theatre box office before 4 May.”

Chanoff added that art is a beacon in turbulent times. “Over the coming weeks, we encourage all supporters of the arts to follow The Head & the Load on social media, where we’ll be bringing a wide range of behind the scenes content, a chance to meet the artists involved in bringing the production to life, plus updates and insights from the cast and creative team.”

After a resounding opening at the Tate Modern in London in July 2018 followed by sold-out shows in New York, Amsterdam and Germany, William Kentridge will bring The Head & the Load back home. This exploration of Africa’s role in the First World War illuminates the untold story of the millions of black African porters who served and died for British, French and German battlefield forces.

Featuring 38 performers, including actors Hamilton Dlamini, Nhlanhla Mahlangu, Mncedisi Shabangu, and Luc De Wit with vocalists Ann Masina and Joanna Dudley, The Head & the Load vividly brings history to life through music, text, dance, film projections, mechanized sculptures and shadow play.

The Joburg Theatre box office can be contacted on 011 877 6853/ 6815, or info@joburgtheatre.com.

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