Hairology: A Documentary by Channel KKV
Channel KKV, in collaboration with the Rhodes University Drama Department and Lyndré Bonhomme, Director of the play Hairology, follow the making of this affirming project based on the politics of hair and how it shapes identity. We go behind the scenes to follow how this socially and critically relevant production comes to life at the annual National Arts Festival.
The Inspiration
The theatre production hairology was inspired by the book titled ‘Hair – Weaving and Unpicking Stories of Identity’ foreworded by Palesa Morudu. This book tells stories written by 21 South African writers about the intricately different experiences surrounding all hair types. In our documentary, we wanted to reflect on these different stories and show how real life is translated into theatre and art. With the iconic film HOMECOMING by Beyoncé in mind, Hairology: The Documentary features Andiswa Zikhali, Siboniso Ngwane, Mihle Ndlodaka, Aaliyah Linkov, Elisa Mabusela, Ndalo Mbombo, and Nelisiwa Gwala and the Director, Lyndré Bonhomme.
We take you through a month-long journey of preparation, blood, sweat, tears, and a whole bunch of wigs to showcase the many narratives held in the countless strands of our hair.