Join us at the Barbican for a special screening event featuring 16 captivating short films that highlight the extraordinary musical legacy of Duke Ellington and his Orchestra.
Spanning nearly a quarter of a century (1929-1953), these films showcase Ellington’s performances in a variety of settings, often accompanied by dancers and singers, including the legendary Billie Holiday in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life.
This particular film fluidly transitions between Ellington composing in solitude, leading his band in a tuxedo at a concert, and artistic depictions of African American life, including a moving sequence with Billie Holiday portraying heartbreak similar to Bessie Smith's iconic film appearance six years prior.
Ticket prices
Students £11
Unwaged £11
Over 60s £11
Under 18s £6
Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking, so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.
Booking a wheelchair space
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select 'wheelchair user' ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.
Booking essential companion tickets
Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket.
Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats
Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.
Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Programme Notes
The programme opens and closes with innovative cinematic techniques. Black and Tan, directed by Dudley Murphy, draws inspiration from his collaboration with Fernand Léger on Ballet mécanique (1924), adapting its imagery to portray a dancer’s (Fredi Washington) hallucinations and critiques of racial exploitation amidst its comedic elements. The inventive wipes in A Bundle of Blues (1933) and the rhythmic edits of Daybreak Express (1953) by D.A. Pennebaker, capture the vibrant energy of Manhattan's vanished Third Avenue El, set to an exhilarating Ellington tune, further demonstrate the artistic ingenuity on display.
This screening barely scratches the surface of the diversity presented, which includes a delightful George Pal Puppetoon (Date with Duke), the Delta Rhythm Boys’ performance in Symphony in Swing, and a visually exclusive homage to Louis Armstrong with a three-minute “History of Jazz” in Salute to Duke Ellington. Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the music and legacy of one of jazz's most influential figures.
While the primary allure of these shorts is undoubtedly musical, the narratives provide a fascinating glimpse into the perceptions and expectations of jazz and Black musicians during the early era of sound films. Many of the films are Soundies from the 1940s, created for sound-and-image jukeboxes, such as Jam Session (1942), where Ray Nance, Rex Stewart, Ben Webster, and others captivate an audience at an after-hours eatery, and Hot Chocolate (Cottontail), featuring dazzling jitterbugging dancers.
Cinema 3
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech 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.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
