Faustus in Africa! review – William Kentridge’s devilishly clever twist on damnation

Royal Lyceum, EdinburghFaustus is not damned alone in a parable about western hubris leading to war, colonialism and environmental exploitationAs told by Goethe and Marlowe, the story of Faust is of one man’s journey into temptation. Having explored the outer limits of human knowledge, this renaissance man can go no further. Unless, that is, he signs a pact with the devil. In exchange for his soul, Mephistopheles gives him all the earthly pleasure and intellectual satisfaction he desires.But sins have consequences and in this ambitious show by William Kentridge for South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, a reworking of a 1995 production, Faustus does not take this journey towards damnation alone: the world comes with him. Now, his list of job titles extends to missionary and enslaver, and his travels across the African continent lead to war, exploitation and environmental catastrophe. If there were an eighth deadly sin, it would be that of colonialism. Continue reading...

Comments

Culture

I’m a film critic attending Venice 2025 – I can’t wait for these 10 movies

Metro

Comments

Similar News

Faustus in Africa! theatre review — a violent romp across a colonised continent

Culture

I’m a film critic attending Venice 2025 – I can’t wait for these 10 movies

Blake Lively lands next major role amid Justin Baldoni legal drama

Mel Giedroyc completely misinterpreted David Nicholls’ reaction to Starter for Ten performance

Grand Designs ‘saddest ever property’ sells after over a decade of turmoil

Philip Colbert and his lobsters launch a public art takeover of Borough Yards

80s star’s ‘heartbreaking’ hit Netflix show confirms season 2 release date

WWE SmackDown has early live UK start time tonight on Netflix

Doctor Who star loses libel case as sexual misconduct allegations 'substantially true'

Rapper Lil Nas X arrested and taken to hospital after wandering LA street in underwear

Tom Morello says it ‘felt like Ozzy knew’ he was dying at Black Sabbath farewell concert

The Thursday Murder Club review: a gorgeous, best-of-British romp

I’m A Celebrity ‘lines up iconic Emmerdale star to enter jungle’ after saying no every year

USA reveals first contestant for Russia’s answer to Eurovision

The Thursday Murder Club felt like a warm hug in film form but I was disappointed

Austin Butler thought he was ‘dying’ after going temporarily blind before filming The Bikeriders

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start date confirmed

Adam Scott admits losing role to Michael C Hall almost made him quit acting

Jack White hits back at Trump after White House brands rock star a ‘has-been-loser’

11 actors who lost out on famous movie roles, from Emma Stone to Tom Holland

Emmerdale star named as Kristian Nairn replacement on Strictly Come Dancing

The Thursday Murder Club review – Netflix’s Richard Osman adaptation is so flimsy and digestible, it barely exists

Will that sparked Shakespeare family row found

BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg: ‘It’s always a fraught time to be Jewish’

Games of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing due to ‘unexpected medical reasons’

Previously unheard Beatles tracks to accompany new Peter Jackson documentary episode

American Pie actor Seann William Scott’s monthly income revealed in legal battle with ex-wife

Chris Pratt pulled into Katy Perry legal drama over $15 million mansion as trial gets underway

Gothic singer-songwriter Sofia Isella: ‘Men feel pressured by other men to be mean to women’

‘Richard Osman makes me feel better’: Meet the Thursday Murder Club’s Gen-Z superfans

Royel Otis review, Hickey – Australian duo come off as problematic exes on their second album

Album reviews: Laufey – A Matter of Time, and Mac DeMarco – Guitar

Millie Bobby Brown announces she’s adopted a baby girl with husband Jake Bongiovi

Lil Nas X arrested and hospitalised after police altercation on LA street

Eddington is one of 2025’s ‘wildest’ movies – but it left me bored

Daniel Mays calls for Stephen Graham to join The Thursday Murder Club sequels

Why Germany's top football league is turning to this man

Lil Nas X arrested and taken to hospital after wandering LA streets in underwear

White House Lists Smithsonian Exhibits It Finds Objectionable

‘Twelfth Night’ Review: Lupita Nyong’o in Illyria

South Park targets Trump’s manhood in latest episode spoofing DC takeover

Billy Connolly launches new limited-edition artwork inspired by life and career

Billy Connolly speaks about Elton John’s inspiration as he releases new artwork

Kennedy Center terminates dance programming team

‘Beautiful’ new romantic drama with Netflix stars soars up Amazon Prime charts

Great British Sewing Bee judge laments ‘loss of pride in making things’

Parker Posey reveals which Bravo show she and Jason Isaacs watched to prepare for filming White Lotus

ITV viewers dub The Fortune Hotel ‘new favourite show’ after savage episode

Chris Pratt pulled into Katy Perry legal drama over $15 million mansion as trial gets underway

Richard Osman says society is ‘obsessed’ with 25-year-olds on Instagram

FKA Twigs joins London’s All Points East festival lineup to replace Doechii

At 83 years old, Harrison Ford is still experiencing firsts

“Honey Don’t!” Revives the Spirit of the Coen Brothers’ Movies

Brent Hinds, Lead Guitarist of Metal Band Mastodon, Dies in Motorcycle Crash

South Park targets Trump’s manhood in latest episode spoofing DC takeover

Tom Sandoval eliminated from AGT but remains ‘excited for what’s to come’ in his music career

American Pie actor Seann William Scott’s monthly income revealed in legal battle with ex-wife

Brent Hinds death: Ex-Mastodon lead guitarist killed in motorcycle crash

Millie Bobby Brown, 21, announces she’s adopted a baby girl with husband Jake Bongiovi, 23

Marc Maron says the Rogansphere has ruined comedy. Is he right?

Meet Corey Mylchreest, the up and coming star of Netflix's Hostage