Gala Durham 2024, Ballet Black: HEROES
Date: 16 Oct 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Gala Durham
Now in their 22nd year, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black return to Gala Durham with a new double bill, Ballet Black: HEROES.
Award-winning choreographer, Mthuthuzeli November contemplates the purpose of life in The Waiting Game, his exciting and energetic work about the meaning of life, originally created in 2020, and infused with a dynamic soundtrack featuring the voices of the Ballet Black artists.
“Exhilarating in effect and full of ideas, The Waiting Game feels like a hit, confirming November’s talent and this remarkable company’s strong sense of itself.” The Guardian
The double bill is completed by Sophie Laplane, the Franco-British artist and Choreographer in Residence at Scottish Ballet, who creates a new piece for Ballet Black, If At First, following her dazzling 2019 BB ballet, CLICK!
“The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart.” (Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus). Sound the fanfares! The conquering hero returns, bathed in glory, but not always… If At First explores a more subtle heroism, a quieter triumph over adversity, in a struggle that unites us all. Humanity, heroism, and self-acceptance combine in this celebratory and original piece.
Ballet Black has transformed the landscape of British ballet, creating a prominent platform for dancers and artists of Black and Asian descent, as well as establishing a new canon of ballet repertoire that resonates with audiences around the world.
Age recommendation | Ages 7+
Special effects | Haze
Cautions | Bright lights shining into auditorium.
Late comer policy | Entry is only permitted at the time mark 14min 25sec in Act 1. After this point, entry will not be allowed until the interval.
Running Time
Act 1 | 36 mins (approx.)
Interval | 20 minutes
Act 2 | 31 mins (approx.)