Explore ‘The Head & The Load’ by William Kentridge
William Kentridge’s show “The Head & The Load” delves into the largely overlooked history of African soldiers in World War I. Following its premiere in London in 2018, it is now captivating audiences in Johannesburg, the continent it commemorates, by opening at the Joburg Theatre.
This powerful 90-minute performance integrates shadow play, alongside projected drawings and animations by Kentridge, a prominent South African artist known for his thought-provoking works.
Production Highlights
The 90-minute performance features shadow play, as well as projected drawings and animations by Kentridge, a renowned South African artist.Performers create larger-than-life shadows on the stage screen, symbolizing the looming darkness of untold histories.The 50-meter-wide stage hosts various moving parts, forcing audiences to choose where to look and effectively creating a theatrical collage.The show incorporates sculptural headdresses, which are inspired by traditional tribal fashion but made from modern materials.The show’s title is taken from a Ghanaian proverb: ‘The head and the load are the troubles of the neck’ — referencing the burden Africans have had to carry, both during World War I and in the decades since.An international ensemble of actors, singers, dancers, and musicians perform onstage, complementing Kentridge’s visuals projected onto the 10-yard-high backdrop.
