YACOOB ABBA OMAR: ‘The Head & The Load’, and the drama in Sudan
The futility and horror of war plays out on stage as well as on our TV screens
03 May 2023 - 05:00
Leaving the television images of gunships bombing the Sudanese capital Khartoum for the cacophony of William Kentridge’s The Head & The Load at the Johannesburg Theatre was a surreal experience.
There is a moment when the words “The Zeppelin is over Khartoum” flash onto the theatre’s screen, referring to the 1917 flight of what was nicknamed “The Africa Ship” on a resupply mission to troops stranded in Germany’s East African colony. At that moment, today’s bombing and the horror experienced by Africans in World War 1 come together vividly. ..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.