Lamentation at the Liesbeek

“We will through our lament remember the past by bringing it into the present, where we can challenge the violence to create a more equitable future.”

Experience an immersive multimedia installation and documentary that brings to life a lamentation ritual at Cape Town’s sacred Liesbeek River. This powerful piece confronts the legacy of colonial violence, blending sonic activism with eco-feminism to reclaim and honor the heritage of First Nations communities. The interdisciplinary project includes contributions from ASU faculty and students from the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, in collaboration with the University of Cape Town and artivists from the Khoi, San and AmaXhosa communities of South Africa. As part of this residency, Tauriq Jenkins, Khoi Leader and Human Rights Defender, and Professor Sara Matchett from the University of Cape Town will be in residence. The event features opening and closing blessings to mark this significant occasion of remembrance and reclamation. 

Creative Director: Micha Espinosa, Sara Matchett
Cinematographer: Janaki Cedanna
Editor: Martin Saldamando
Media Design: Sven Ortel
Sound: Rodrigo Meirelles, Celia Yang, Masaran Keita
Dramaturgs: Bailey Morton, Karen Jean Martinson

This event is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary. The walk-through experience and documentary will take between 40-45 minutes.