The Head & The Load

William Kentridge is no stranger to the art scene. In April, he is bringing yet another impressive work to South Africa. Co-produced by Centre d’Art Battat, Montreal and supported by RMB and FNB, divisions of FirstRand Bank Limited, The Head & The Load will be seen for the first time on the African continent. The production will run at the Joburg Theatre from 21 April to 6 May, consist of only fourteen performances.

The Head & The Load serves as an exploration of Africa’s role in the First World War. Ultimately, it illuminates the untold story of millions of black African porters and carriers who served – and in many cases died for – British, French and German battlefield forces.

The production’s name plays on the Ghanaian proverb “The head and the load are the troubles of the neck.” In essence it refers to the fact that this story and its historical significance have largely remained unexamined for a century.

Read more about the production here.