THE HEAD and THE LOAD, Kentridge's Celebration and Homage to the Africa Soldiers who fought in World War I
The Head and the Load by William Kentridge is currently showing at the Joburg Theatre. Those who are familiar with the Joburg Theatre's Nelson Mandela Theatre will be surprised to be ushered past the auditorium's normal seating into what looks like the backstage of the theatre. Audience members are made to sit on the rostrum as if at the stadium. The title of the piece is inspired by the Ghanaian proverb, "The head and the load are the troubles of the neck." The lyricism, rhythm, and musicality of African languages are full of wisdom and humility; hence, the title builds anticipation and suspense for the potential audience. Poster of the production. Source: The Head and The Load Facebook Page The opening of this tapestry of artistic festivity is punctuated by the phalanx of dancers, actors, musicians and singers performing along what looks like a 500m riverbank, with the audience watching from across the bank. The stage is the longest I have seen in length, suspend