The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu exposes the violent and shameful legacy of ethnological displays (such as human zoos and exhibitions) that were popular in Western society in the 19th century. The South African artist/performer Albert Khoza explores in his performance the effect of the imperial and colonial gaze on Black bodies. How it sits within Black bodies today and how it might be remedied. How do we deal with this legacy and uncomfortable past. Should we try to erase this legacy, bury it in the history books, or should we try to face this past. How do we look at the Black body?

In The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu, Albert Khoza confronts us with the ethnic beauty and pride of his black, non-white and non-slender body. He examines the ongoing pain of historical and continuing racism and creates a space for collective healing and an opportunity for dignity to be reclaimed. Albert Khoza uses his bodies as a vessel for change – a Black body that historically has been (and often still is seen) as an object of desire or servitude.

‘We pay tribute to the many Africans whose lives and bodies were turned into a viewing spectacle for white pleasure’. Albert Khoza & Princess Zinzi Mhlongo

For visitors: ‘The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu’ features frontal nudity, amplified sound and optional audience participation. The show’s content includes themes of sexual exploitation and references to the transatlantic slave trade.
Previously seen at Live Art Festival Cape Town 2022, Georgetown University Washington 2022, Liverpool Biennial 2023.

About the Artist
Albert Ibokwe Khoza is an internationally acclaimed performance artist who continuously reveals and projects a state of mind of a loner individual who is a non-binary womanly man and a Sangoma (traditional healer). Through their sexuality and traditional practice, they express their thoughts by moving between different artistic mediums to outline social ills and what their divergent nature sees and interprets about the world they live in, critically questioning their surroundings, their leaders and life itself.

ROTTERDAM | MAASPODIUM
Sat 7 October, 19H30

AMSTERDAM | FRASCATI
Sun 8 October, 20H00