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to a simple, rock 'n' roll . . . song.

Michael Clark Company

— ,Barbican Theatre
A photo of two dancers from the Michael Clark Company against an orange background.

Michael Clark is back with an extended version of his latest show, described by the Evening Standard as ‘an adrenaline shot that sends you away buzzing’.

At first, a reflection on Erik Satie and his influence on Clark’s mentors past and present – the dance meticulous and coolly refined. Next, commanding choreography pulsating with a propulsive force to the punk rock of Patti Smith’s landmark album, Horses. Then, an iridescent tribute to David Bowie that is intricate and sublime, the mood moving from elegiac to joyously rebellious.

Enjoying its premiere here in 2016, the Olivier Award-nominated to a simple, rock ‘n’ roll . . . song. comprises a triple bill of gorgeously arresting choreography by Barbican Artistic Associate Clark. Performances by a company of fearless and otherworldly dancers are complemented by Charles Atlas’s scintillating lighting design, which features a stage adaptation of his multi-channel video installation Painting by Numbers.

Tagged with: Theatre & dance

1 hour 30 mins/including an interval
Age guidance 12+ (contains loud music)

Barbican performances proudly sponsored by Reed Smith LLP

UK

Commissioned by the Barbican

Made possible thanks to the generous support of Patrons of New Work: Shane Akeroyd, Adam and Mariana Clayton Collection, Sadie Coles, Joe and Marie Donnelly, The Edge and Morleigh Steinberg, Abel Halpern and Helen Chung-Halpern, Alice Rawsthorn, Mercedes and Ian Stoutzker

Co-produced by the Barbican, Michael Clark Company and Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg

Michael Clark Company is supported using public funding by Arts Council England

Creative team

  • Michael Clark   Choreographer
  • Charles Atlas   Lighting
  • Stevie Stewart   Costumes
  • Michael Clark   Costumes

Reviews

  • ‘A triptych of abstract dances that look fantastic, sound terrific and knocked me sideways‘
    The Times
  • ‘Mixing the sacred and profane, the classical and the raw, to sophisticated and often hypnotic effect‘
    The Guardian
  • ‘‘

Discover

A coloured image showing two dancers from the Michael Clark Company against a blue and pink background

Ali Smith on Michael Clark

Author, playwright and journalist Ali Smith describes the elation of experiencing Michael Clark’s most recent work, featuring fearless dancers in a gorgeous triple bill of arresting choreography.

Read more
olaf breuning smoke installation at the barbican centre in london

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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.