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spafrica

theater
performance
art
"In the clever performance SPAfrica, the empathy of a white audience is scrutinized ★★★★☆" - De Volkskrant, Annette Embrechts"The reality that overtakes art and is then forcefully sent back to its cage. Impressive." - Theaterkrant, Fransien van der Putt

Together with Ntando Cele, performance and theater maker Julian Hetzel illuminates the relationship between capitalism and racism and the cynical trade of our cheap crocodile tears for expensive source materials. At the same time, they question a new phenomenon in the art world, where the cultural background and identity of the creators have become valuable assets. Is trauma the new gold of the arts? A performance that exposes the problematic operation and hidden racism of empathy.

Julian Hetzel creates almost undisciplinary art projects that combine contemporary theater, performance, and visual arts. His creations have a political dimension and a documentary approach.

The performance is partly spoken in English with Dutch subtitles.

View the upcoming international tourdates here

Read the article from etcetera magazine here

Credits

Concept: Julian Hetzel and Ntando Cele
Direction: Julian Hetzel
Performance: Ntando Cele 
Dramaturgy: Miguel Angel Melgares 
Artistic Advisor: Sodja Lotker, Khanyisile Mbongwa 

Music and Composition: Frank Wienk 
Light Design: Nico de Rooij 
Technical Coordination: Vincent Beune, Aengus Havinga
Technicians: Tom Doeven, Simon Kelaita, Bea Verbeek, Wout Jansen

Production Coordination: Marieke van den Bosch 
Production Cape Town: Lungile Mbongwa 
Gallery Owner Cape Town: Mpilo Ngcukana 
Production Assistant: Jana Riese 
Assistant Costume Designer: Merel van Erpers Roijaards Mask Artist: Carly Heathcote Makeup: Julia Markow 
Props: Saskia Hartog 
Video Documentation: Reynold Reynolds, Bongeka Ngcobo 
Photography: Alexandra Masmanidi, Anouk Maupu






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about
aengus havinga began developing his artistic language early in life. Growing up in various parts of Europe he was surrounded by a various amount of parallel cultures. And thanks to his parents obsession with electronic music and dance, Aengus is able to experience music within various forms.
but wait
he learned to play some piano as a teenager visiting some classic, emo pop and indie rock, but quickly gravitated to teaching himself music production with a midi keyboard and laptop. In his lowkey home studio Aengus channels his wide range of interest and incorporates it in his personal sound in developing an own signature.