Notes Towards a Model Opera

Notes Towards a Model Opera

William Kentridge

A 3 screen video piece, on the Chinese Cultural revolution and the events surrounding the time throughout the world.


Circumstances around the periphery of the event are examined. The socialist thread is followed from China- the Model operas of Madame Mao, the self-criticisms and widespread socio-economic disruption, to the Paris Commune uprising, to African liberation struggles of the time.

The images are brought together with the socialist anthem The Internationale as the soundtrack to the piece.