The groundbreaking and inventive work of the company was mainly concerned with the conservation of wildlife in South Africa.  The company also aimed at developing an innovative fusion of popular South African performance aesthetics, mime, storytelling, visual arts, Le Coq principles, British pantomime and Artaudian affective athleticism. In doing so, an African approach physical theatre was born.  Some of the the Loft’s seminal works include: Kwamanzi (1985), Horn of Sorrow (1989) and Raiders of the Lost Aardvark (1990). 

These productions indicated the way forward for the renowned Theatre for Africa of which Ellis became a member and where he worked with celebrated director Nicolas Ellenbogen.  Four years later, he teamed up with fellow Loft actor Bheki Mkhwane.  Ellis and Bekhi became well-known faces across the globe with their distinctive brand of physical theatre.  Ellis also starred in the acclaimed films The Angel, the Bicycle and the Chinaman's Finger and Paljas, and actively works in industrial theatre.

Watch this space to hear what Ellis have to say about his work!