Chronology

Compiled by Sean O’Toole

1980 to 1989

William Kentridge - Chronology - 1980

1980

WORK

Writes and directs Dikhitsheneng (The Kitchens), with Junction Avenue Theatre, The Laager at the Market Theatre, Johannesburg

1981

LIFE

Studies mime at L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, Paris

WORK

Co-directs, with Hugo Cassirer, Howl at the Moon, colour video, 40:00 min, short fiction feature produced with the Junction Avenue Theatre Company, filmed at parent’s home, now artist’s home and studio in Houghton, Johannesburg

Designs sets and poster for Wooze Bear and the Zoo Bears, directed by Malcolm Purkey for Junction Avenue Theatre Company, Arena Theatre, Rosebank

EXHIBITIONS

Domestic Scenes (solo), The Market Gallery, Johannesburg

1982

LIFE

Marries Anne Stanwix, a medical doctor specialising as a rheumatologist, and moves into home at 21 Liddle Street, Bertrams, in central Johannesburg

1983

WORK

Designs set for version of Euripides’ tragedy The Bacchae, directed by Malcolm Purkey for Junction Avenue Theatre Company, Upstairs at the Market Theatre, Johannesburg

Writes children’s play Emily’s Wheelbarrow Show and the Infamous Mr Sterntrap, directed by Malcolm Purkey for Junction Avenue Theatre Company, Wits Theatre, Johannesburg

1984

LIFE

Birth of daughter, Alice Kentridge

WORK

Begins drawing again after a three-year break

Writes, directs and edits Salestalk, 16mm, 30:00 min, short fiction feature with real actors, wins Blue Ribbon Award at the American Film Festival, New York (1985)

Directs Catastrophe by Samuel Beckett, Wits Theatre, Johannesburg

Performs in A Noose for Scariot Impimpi, play devised by collective of shop stewards and aimed at trade union members, performed in community centres around Durban

1985

EXHIBITIONS

William Kentridge (solo), Cassirer Fine Art, Johannesburg

Tributaries (group), non-racial exhibition of artists from urban and rural centres, curated by Ricky Burnett, Market Theatre precinct, Johannesburg; shows triptych drawing Koevoet (Dreams of Europe)

AWARDS

Blue Ribbon Award, American Film Festival, New York

1986

WORK

Makes Vetkoek / Fête Galante, 16mm, 2:41 min, animated film with actors and drawings

Co-develops and co-designs Sophiatown, directed by Malcolm Purkey for Junction Avenue Theatre Company, at the Market Theatre, Johannesburg, wins AA Life Vita Award for Playwright of the Year

EXHIBITIONS

William Kentridge (solo), Cassirer Fine Art, Johannesburg; wins AA Mutual Life Vita Arts Now Award

New Visions (group), Market Gallery, Johannesburg; wins Market Theatre Award

AWARDS

The AA Vita Award, Johannesburg
The Market Theatre Award, Johannesburg

1987

WORK

Makes animated film Exhibition, 16mm, 3:00 min

EXHIBITIONS

In the Heart of the Beast (solo), Vanessa Devereux Gallery, London

Three Hogarth Satires (group), with Deborah Bell and Robert Hodgins, at Wits University Art Galleries and Cassirer Fine Art, Johannesburg

AWARDS

Standard Bank Young Artist Award (Fine Art category), Johannesburg

1988

LIFE

Birth of daughter, Isabella Kentridge

WORK

Co-directs, with Angus Gibson, documentary Freedom Square and Back of the Moon, 50:00 min, for Channel 4, United Kingdom

EXHIBITIONS

William Kentridge (solo), Cassirer Fine Art, Johannesburg

AWARDS

The AA Vita Award, Johannesburg

1989

WORK

Makes Johannesburg, 2nd Greatest City after Paris, 16mm, video transfer, 3:11 min, first animated film in series Drawings for Projection

EXHIBITIONS

Responsible Hedonism (solo), Vanessa Devereux Gallery, London