12 Labours (2022)

12 Labours is a multipronged, interdisciplinary performance project, comprised of twelve individual performative acts and public community interventions, which occurred across Makhanda from April to July 2022. The project reimagines the toxicity of conventional understandings of ‘heroism’ and ‘masculinity’ through the localising, adapting and queering of the classic Greek tale of “The Twelve Labours of Hercules”. Instead of a single hero’s journey of slaying, capturing and stealing, 12 Labours features a group of queer artists-come-garden-gnomes, in collaboration with local artisans, civil servants, gardeners and contractors, who collectively perform a series of actions centred around notions of repair, community building, gratitude and transgressive joy. 

“There was a time when we needed heroes, but they eventually ridded the world of its magic, and so I propose a lawn of garden gnomes instead. A collective of ordinary queer people who approach acts of service as a kind of love language in an arguably corrupt capitalist economy. And in so doing, we also hope to position performance art, as it is traditional understood, as necessary labour and infrastructure for the public good – because we need performance art as much as we need roads, green spaces and walkways” – Gavin Krastin.

By merging mythology with everyday labour, 12 Labours reframes performance art as an essential part of community life, underscoring its capacity to repair and nurture both people and spaces.

For details on all twelve artworks and full videos, please contact Gavin.

12 Labours was presented as a 12-part video and live performance series at the National Arts Festival 2022 (Makhanda, South Africa), the International Forum of Performance Art 2022 (Athens, Greece), and SerformanceP International Performance Art Exhibition 2023 (Sao Paulo, Brazil). 

Conceived, created and curated by Gavin Krastin

Dramaturgy by Alan Parker

Management by Raphaela Linders

Videography and photography by Evaan Jason Ferreira

Research assistance by Julia de Rosenwerth

Performers and collaborators include Akhona Peni, Alan Parker, Alice-Jane Marais, Anele Ace Makafe, Anele Cele, Ashwin May, Brad Jackson, Elizabeth Davies, Enonch Jacob, Ernie Cassels, Evaan Jason Ferreira, Gavin Krastin, Ilayiseni Yokuqhuba, Iviwé Mzandisi, Jacques Nicolas Hoefnagels, Jamie-Lee Anthony, Julia de Rosenwerth, Khanya Ngcuka, Loyiso Gabayi, Lukhanyo Grootboom, Luphumlo Zane Makafe, Lyn Roux, Malibongwe Melitafa, Matthew Short, Michelle Lowry, Mthobeli Mali, Mziwakhe Notyhawa, Naledi Chuwe, Nikho Tsotsi, Nine Magagula, Nkosikhaya Booi Lali, Obusitswe “Bird King” Seage, Silas Nkole, Sipho Steven Stimele, Siyabonga Kewuti, Suné Jurgens, Tasmin Sherman, Thembelani Mnyani, Thembinkosi Busakwe, Xolela Kley, Zanele Tlali and Zwelinzima Somyali

Press:

Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Performance Art – Gavin Krastin | South African Art Times

Rhodes University drama lecturer bags Young Artist Award | Rhodes University Latest News 

The irreplaceable power of live performances: A conversation with the Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winners | Grocott’s Mail | Rod Amner 

12 Labours: Transgressive tour de force | The Critter | Steve Kretzmann

Performance art at its most profound | The Herald | Devon Koen 

Gavin Krastin’s hot pink lights shine through the Monument | The Daily Dispatch | Rosa-Karoo Loewe

Gavin Krastin – interventions and labours – personal and solo – at NAF 2022 | The Cape Robyn | Robyn Cohen

Gavin Krastin and his gnomes paint Makhanda gold | The Daily Dispatch | Rosa-Karoo Loewe

Gavin Krastin celebrates Pride Month with new work ‘12 Labours’ | IOL | Kedibone Modise

Gavin Krastin explores extremity and vulnerability in his work as a performing artist | IOL | Kedibone Modise