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Ballet Black

Heroes

— ,Barbican Theatre
Members of the Ballet Black ensemble pose together, they move fluidly between and around one another.

Now in their 22nd year, Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black return to our stage with a double bill featuring new and innovative work.

Award-winning choreographer, Mthuthuzeli November contemplates the purpose of life in The Waiting Game, his exciting and energetic work about the meaning of life originally created in 2020, infused with a dynamic soundtrack featuring the voices of the Ballet Black artists.

Sophie Laplane, Franco-British artist and Choreographer in Residence at Scottish Ballet creates If At First, a new piece for Ballet Black after her dazzling 2019 BB ballet. Laplane's new work explores the complexity of humanity, heroism and self-acceptance in this celebratory and original piece.

Ballet Black has transformed the landscape of British ballet, creating a prominent platform for dancers and artists of Black and Asian descent, as well as establishing a new canon of ballet repertoire that resonates with audiences around the world.

Tagged with: Theatre & dance Young Barbican Theatre and Dance Winter 2024 More...

Running time: 1 hour and 35 minutes, including an interval 

Age guidance: 7+

This performance contains haze and bright lighting.

Post-show talk
Fri 17 May, Theatre
Free to same-day ticket holders

Presented by the Barbican

Image credit: (L-R) Helga Paris-Morales, Acaoã de Castro, Mikayla Isaacs, Love Kotiya, Isabela Coracy, Ebony Thomas, Taraja Hudson, Bhungane Mehlomakulu and Megan Chiu. Photography by ASH.
 

 

The Waiting Game

  • Created with support from The Linbury Trust  
  • Mthuthuzeli November   Choreographer and Composer
  • Alex Wilson   Composer
  • David Plater   Lighting Designer
  • Peter Todd   Costume Designer
  • Richard Bolton & Phil Cristodolou   Door Design
  • Voiceover by The Artists of Ballet Black, past and present  

If At First

  • Co-commissioned with the Barbican  
  • Sophie Laplane   Choreography
  • David Plater   Lighting design
  • Jessica Cabassa   Costume design
  • James Bonas   Creative consultant
  • Ludwig von Beethoven, Olivia Belli, Dans Dans, Michelle Gurevich, Dustin O’Halloran and Tom Harrold   Music

Reviews

  • ‘Exhilarating in effect and full of ideas, The Waiting Game feels like a hit, confirming November’s talent and this remarkable company’s strong sense of itself. ‘
    The Guardian
  • ‘Ballet Black makes a thoroughly convincing case that this is indeed the future of dance‘
    iNews

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Barbican Theatre

Location
The Barbican Theatre is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.

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