Faustus in Africa!

Thirty years after the unforgettable success of the German premiere at Kunstfest Weimar, the
world-renowned artist William Kentridge and the acclaimed Handspring Puppet Company
present a spectacular new interpretation of their award-winning play “Faustus in Africa!”. To coincide with Kentridge’s 70th birthday, the audience can experience this innovative project in a new international co-production. The timeless story of Faust’s fateful pact is retold here in ironic and irreverent terms: an African safari escalates into an absurd rampage of greed, power and unbridled passions. With masterly puppet work from the internationally acclaimed Handspring Puppet Company and accompanied by William Kentridge’s distinctive animations, a stage world is created that critically challenges colonialism and the climate crisis. The distinguished cast led by Atandwa Kani and Jennifer Steyn brings this darkly comic odyssey to life with passionate energy. Supported by the thrilling music of composers Warrick Sony and James Phillips, a mesmeric power develops on stage that holds the audience rapt to the very last moments. The key question that “Faustus in Africa!” asks its audience is more topical than ever: what moral compromises will we accept for short-term gains? – One that goes straight to the heart of the urgent issues of our time.