Saved events

Taylor Mac — A 24-Decade History of Popular Music: The First Act

LIFT 2018

— ,Barbican Theatre

Fabulous and fearless, Taylor Mac reframes the social history of America through three decades of song in this no-holds-barred extravaganza of music, art, activism and hugely entertaining mass ritual.

Joined onstage by a 22-piece orchestra and host of local special guests, New York’s Mac has created a Pulitzer Prize-nominated, once-in-a-lifetime, immersive performance in a quest to chronicle how communities grow stronger as they are being torn apart.

Charting the years 1776–1806, he asks the audience to conspire with him to reimagine rebellions, revolutions, triumphs and tragedies. Bawdy pub songs, sea shanties and subversive anthems are rearranged as musical mash-ups to take on a chapter of the defining early years of America’s history. The New York Times critic has described it as 'one of the greatest experiences of my life'.

Tagged with: Theatre & dance The Art Of Change Contemporary music

Duration: Approximately 3 hours, no interval. The audience is invited to enter and exit at liberty during the performance
Age guidance: 16+. Contains nudity.

30 Jun 2018
BSL-interpreted performance

Part of our 2018 Season, The Art of Change, which explores how artists respond to, reflect and can potentially effect change in the social and political landscape. 

Part of LIFT 2018, a London-wide festival of international performance taking place throughout June 2018.

Presented by the Barbican and LIFT 2018. Produced by Pomegranate Arts and Nature’s Darlings

This engagement is supported by Mid Atlantic Art Foundation through USArtists International in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Howard Gilman Foundation. 

Creative Team

  • Taylor Mac   Conception and Co-Direction
  • Matt Ray   Musical Direction and Arranger
  • Niegel Smith   Co-Direction
  • Machine Dazzle   Costumes
  • John Torres   Lighting
  • Jocelyn Clarke   Dramaturgy

Reviews

Discover

photo of taylor mac with rainbow balloons

Watch: Taylor Mac sings Amazing Grace

Follow Taylor Mac as he sings 'Amazing Grace' through the streets of San Francisco...

You might also like

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.