1980 to 1989
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 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
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
