Experience a new perspective on Mingus’ big band masterpiece The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady. In this kaleidoscopic film world-class dancers move to the wildly sensual, rhythmically explosive classic album, celebrating its beautiful melodies, complex structure and huge emotional range.
In 2020, Clod Ensemble and Nu Civilisation Orchestra were about to present a live dance celebration of ‘Black Saint’… plans changed. Instead, we kept ourselves sane by listening and moving to the music throughout lockdown – culminating in this unique and life affirming film set to the original recording performed by Charles Mingus and his band.
Watch this teaser trailer:
PAST EVENT:
19.NOVEMBER.2020 • 8:00pm
You are invited to join Clod Ensemble and members of Nu Civilisation Orchestra for a new perspective on Mingus’ big band masterpiece. Experience a new way of listening to this wildly sensual, rhythmically explosive classic album by watching world class dancers move to the music, unlocking powerful elements such as its beautiful melodies, complex structure and huge emotional range.
We will be listening to the album in its original recorded format performed by Charles Mingus and his band, with commentary from MOBO-nominated Peter Edwards, Music Director of Nu Civilisation Orchestra and Clod Ensemble Artistic Director Suzy Willson, who will be broadcast live from Shoreditch Town Hall. Audiences are invited to join online.
Features guest performances from residents of Shoreditch and Hoxton, as well as Hackney carnival arts organisation Tropical Isles, with dancers wearing collections from Hackney-based designers Simone Rocha, Eudon Choi and previous collaborators ArtSchool.
Read this blog to find out more.
Image credit: Manuel Vason