This May Birmingham Rep opens its doors to two dance companies providing dance fans, and those new to dance, with the opportunity to see new works right in the heart of the city.
Following a near sell out run at The Rep in 2022, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black return to the theatre on 3 – 4 May to present award-winning choreographers, Will Tuckett and Mthuthuzeli November in a double bill of new and original work in BALLET BLACK: PIONEERS.
This thrilling and imaginative double bill features Birmingham born Will Tuckett’s Then Or Now, originally created in 2020, which blends classical ballet, music and the poetry of American writer Adrienne Rich to ask the question: in times like these, where do we belong? Will created Lazuli Sky for Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2020 which was the first new work to open at The Rep’s first socially distanced performance during Covid in 2020.
The second piece of the evening is created by the Olivier award winning South African choreographer Mthuthuzeli November. Nina: By Whatever Means, is inspired by the artistry and activism of Nina Simone and weaves a skilful picture of Simone’s turbulent and influential life to take us on an emotional and empowering journey.
Later in the month from 18 – 19 May sees Gary Clarke’s Wasteland a sequel to his multi award-winning production Coal. Created to mark the 25th anniversary of the demolition of Grimethorpe Colliery in South Yorkshire and 30 years since the rise of UK rave culture, Gary Clarke, regarded as one of the UK’s leading contemporary dance artists, brings this thrilling yet deeply touching dance theatre production to The Rep.
Wasteland brings together a company of exceptional dancers, a community cast of singers, brass musicians, film footage and a powerful rave soundtrack by Jimmy Cauty, co-founder of the iconic British electronic band The KLF.
Commenting on The Rep’s dance offer Rachael Thomas, the theatre’s Associate Director said: “There is a great audience for dance here in the city and The Rep has a fantastic stage and auditorium, so we really want to bring the best touring dance here on a regular basis.”