Ballet Black: Pioneers a double bill of new work.
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 piece feels above all like a call for respect across any and all divides.”The Telegraph,2021
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.
Then Or Now (2020)
This ballet was originally a co-commission with The Barbican
Choreographer | Will Tuckett
Costume Design | Yukiko Tsukamoto
Poetry | Adrienne Rich (1929-2012)
Director of Poetry | Fiona L Bennett
Poetry Recordings | Hafsah Aneela Bashir, Natasha Gordon & Michael Shaeffer
Music | Passacaglia for solo violin (1676) Composed by Heinrich Franz von Biber (1644-1704) & Daniel Pioro. Recording by Daniel Pioro
Cast | José Alves, Isabela Coracy, Alexander Fadayiro, Taraja Hudson, Sayaka Ichikawa, Mthuthuzeli November, Helga Paris-Morales& Ebony Thomas
NINA: By Whatever Means (2023)
This ballet is a co-commission with The Barbican
Choreography & Direction | Mthuthuzeli November
Lighting Design | David Plater
Costume Design | Jessica Cabassa
Composers | Mandisi Dyantyis, Mthuthuzeli November, Nina Simone (1954-2002) Featuring the voices of the Zolani Youth Choir
Cast | José Alves, Isabela Coracy, Alexander Fadayiro, Taraja Hudson, Sayaka Ichikawa, Rosanna Lindsey,Helga Paris-Morales & Ebony Thomas
NINA: By Whatever Means (2023) award winner
Best Choreographer or Movement Director Award
Mthuthuzeli November, Nina: By Whatever Means – UK Tour
Best Dance Production or Performer Award
Isabela Coracy, Nina: By Whatever Means – UK Tour
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