Ballet Black: Pioneers
20 Oct 19:30
Now in their 21st year, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black is excited to present award-winning choreographers, Will Tuckett and Mthuthuzeli November in a double bill of new and original work in Ballet Black: Pioneers.
Will Tuckett’s Then Or Now, originally created in 2020, blends classical ballet, music and the poetry of Adrienne Rich to ask the question: in times like these, where do we each belong?
The second piece on the bill is devised by award-winning choreographer, Mthuthuzeli November. Nina: By Whatever Means, is inspired by the artistry and activism of Nina Simone. November weaves a skilful picture of Simone’s turbulent and influential life to take us on an emotional and empowering journey.
Important information
Running time: Approximately 1 hour 40 including interval
Age recommendation: 7+
Ticket Prices: £10 – £35
On Sale:
20 Feb – Gold Friends and Corporates
22 Feb – Friends and Best Friends
24 Feb – General
Concessions:
Best Friends/Gold – 10% off Band A-D
Friends – 5% off Band A-D
Corporate– £2 off Band A-D
U25’s – £3 off Band A-D
Schools – £16.50 – Bands A&D (Teachers and assistant free)
Please note: This show contains Flash photography and Haze. The show contains scenes of domestic violence and racism
Why not visit our restaurant…
Make your theatre trip extra special and dine in Prelude, a fresh and contemporary space inspired by the building’s art deco heritage.
With the hassle taken out, relax and enjoy our seasonal set price menu in Prelude. Your table is reserved for the whole evening, so you can enjoy your dessert and drinks in the show interval. Plus, Theatre Royal Friends can enjoy a 10% discount!
Gallery
Reviews
“Ballet Black, a success story against the odds with a charismatic tenacious woman at its head, has earned a long, successful life. A small-scale company filling the Barbican stage—with no sets (the dancers’ personalities and the lighting do most of the heavy lifting)—is remarkable.”
British Theatre Guide“…so much of the appeal of this company lies in the talent it has allowed to blossom. These are individuals who you want to watch.”
The Guardian“Ballet Black makes a thoroughly convincing case that this is indeed the future of dance – and that this should be cause for celebration.”
iNews“As the saying goes, “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” Well, where ballet audiences… remain almost invariably overwhelmingly white, this company’s, as Friday proved, are quite the opposite. “What’s the point of Ballet Black?” That is.”
The Telegraph“In an ideal world, Ballet Black – formed in 2001 by Cassa Pancho to give Black and Asian dancers some role models – wouldn’t even exist. However, watch an original, beautifully danced, intelligently curated evening like this, and you can’t help hoping that – even if the ballet world does one day become less glaringly “white” – they stick around for a long while yet.”
The Telegraph
Venue
Fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce. Enjoy the best in food and drink at our restaurant Prelude or a quick delicious bite before the show.
Directions to the Theatre Royal. Where to park near the theatre, drop-off & disabled parking plus public transport information.
Up-to-date information on access our building, accessible performances and details on personal assistant tickets.