AFA goes to: Faustus in Afrika!

In 1995, South African visual artist, animated filmmaker, and theatre director William Kentridge created Faustus in Africa! with Handspring Puppet Company. Informed by his deep commitment to the anti-apartheid struggle, the legendary play had Faust set out on safari and plunder the African land and people in his quest for knowledge and power.

The performance was presented at one of the first editions of Kunstenfestivaldesarts. Now, 30 years later, Kentridge has reworked Faustus in Africa!, linking it to extractivism and politics in the new South Africa and globally. Sadly, the question posed by the original theatre classic remains relevant: are we willing to betray ourselves and make an ill-fated deal with the devil for short-term gain?

The new script combines Goethe’s drama Faust with the irony of South African poet Lesego Rampolokeng. A new generation of performers brings to the stage a harmonious blend of theatre and world-class puppetry. James Phillips’ music underscores Kentridge’s stunning animations. A project and an artist that should not be missed at this 30th festival edition.

meeting @ Globearoma —> 21:00