Now in their 21st year, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black returns to The Lowry, Salford from 31st October – 2nd November with a double bill of original ballets in Ballet Black: Pioneers.
This new double bill features ballets from two of Ballet Black’s best-known, award-winning collaborators, Will Tuckett (Depouillement, 2009, Orpheus, 2011) and Mthuthuzeli November (Ingoma, 2019, The Waiting Game, 2021).
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 second piece, a world premiere by 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 create an emotional and empowering love letter to this legendary icon.
Cassa Pancho MBE, Founder, CEO & Artistic Director Ballet Black said “Every year, I describe how delighted I am to present new works and this, our 21st year, is no different. Originally created to premiere in 2020, this ballet was delayed by the pandemic, and only had a very short run across four theatres in 2021. One of the joys of having work created specifically for Ballet Black is getting to revisit it with the choreographer, and we’ve had fun having Will back in the studio to restage this beautiful ballet.
It’s thrilling to be able to bring Nina: By Whatever Means to life. It’s part of our growing collection of ballets that depict the Black experience through classical ballet, creating a new and relevant repertoire for audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. It is the realisation of a dream Mthuthuzeli had to create a love letter to Nina Simone, and I cannot wait to share this programme with you all.”
Ballet Black: Pioneers is at The Lowry, Salford from Tuesday 31st October – Thursday 2nd November 2023. For more information and tickets visit www.thelowry.com.
