On Wednesday, 26 February 2020, Joburg Theatre, in association with The Centre For the Less Good Idea, excitedly announced that William Kentridge's critically acclaimed theatre spectacular, The Head & the Load, would finally make its South African debut. The show was scheduled to take place in May 2020 at Joburg Theatre for a limited season. By the time President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the stringent measures to be taken to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, tickets were almost sold out. However, seeing as gatherings of over 100 are to be prohibited for an uncertain period of time, the decision was made to postpone the show.
Art As A Beacon Of Light During Trying times
Executive producer, Rachel Chanoff said: "In the light of President Ramaphosa’s declaration of a national state of disaster and after consulting William Kentridge, the performing company, our sponsors, supporters and key stakeholders, including RMB and FNB, we feel it necessary due to the fast-moving nature of the current pandemic to postpone the May season of The Head & the Load until August. The health and well-being of the whole team and of our audiences must be our top priority." She continued by saying: "Art is a beacon in turbulent times. Over the coming weeks, we’d like to encourage all supporters of the arts to follow The Head & the Load on social media, where we’ll be bringing you a wide range of behind the scenes content, a chance to meet the artists involved in bringing the production to life, plus updates and insights from the cast and creative team. During this challenging period when so many stages will be dark around the world, let’s come together to celebrate our creativity and community."
