Albert Ibokwe Khoza- ‘The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu’- Saturday 10th June

For the opening weekend of Liverpool Biennial 2023, join us for Albert Ibokwe Khoza’s ‘The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu’ – an immersive, live offering at Tobacco Warehouse. Khoza is one of a number of artists responding to Liverpool Biennial 2023’s theme of ‘uMoya’ by using their bodies as vessels and vehicles for change – bodies that have historically been and often continue to be viewed as objects of desire or servitude.

‘The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu’ exposes the violent and shameful legacy of ethnological expositions (such as human zoos and exhibitions), that were popular in Western society between the 1870s and 1960s. Through this live offering, Khoza will investigate the effect of the imperial and colonial gaze on Black bodies, how it sits within Black bodies today, and how it might be remedied. Examining the ongoing pain of historical and continuing racism, Khoza creates a space for collective healing and an opportunity for dignity to be reclaimed.

Please note that ‘The Black Circus of the Republic of Bantu’ contains full frontal nudity, amplified sound and shouting, and optional audience participation. The show’s content includes themes of sexual exploitation and references to the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Audiences are requested to stand or sit on the floor for the duration of the show (approximately 1 hour), though limited seating will be provided. Audiences are advised to wear warm clothing as Tobacco Warehouse can get cold in the evenings. 

This event is for over 18s only.

Access provision at this event:

If you have any queries relating to accessibility, please contact access@biennial.com or, alternatively, a member of our Front of House team will be happy to help if you require assistance on the day.

• Seating will be available upon request
• Touch tours and audio description are available

About the Artist

Albert Ibokwe Khoza is an internationally acclaimed performance artist who continuously reveals and projects a state of mind of a loner individual who is a non-binary womanly man and a Sangoma (traditional healer). Through their sexuality and traditional practice, they express their thoughts by moving between different artistic mediums to outline social ills and what their divergent nature sees and interprets about the world they live in, critically questioning their surroundings, their leaders and life itself.