Ballet Black: Pioneers

Ballet Black: Pioneers

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. 

Runtime: 95 minutes approx. (including interval)

Concessions: 
Under 17s: 50% off Band A & Band B, £10 Band C 
17-25: £12.50 Band A & Band B, £10 Band C 
Click here for details about companion/carer tickets

School Group Rates (Mon-Thurs performances only)
Newham Schools: £9
East London Schools: £10
All Other Schools: £12.50

Group Rate 
If you buy nine standard rate tickets then you get the 10th free. Group bookings (of nine or more tickets) can only be booked over the phone or in person.

Booking Enquiries
Our online booking system doesn’t allow customers to leave isolated seats. We do this in order to prevent gaps in the auditorium.

Currently seats are on sale from Row B in the stalls, and it is possible that Row A will go on sale at a later date, so please be aware that purchasing seats in Row B does not guarantee that you will be in the front row.

Please note that our boxes have a slightly restricted view. Seats marked with an ‘i’ on the seating plan have a restricted view. 

If you require any help with your booking then please contact our Box Office by emailing tickets@stratfordeast.com or calling 020 8534 0310.

Our ticket prices increase as the theatre fills. We always recommend booking early to secure the best seats at the best price.

THEN OR NOW
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
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

 

Website image: Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black for NINA: By Whatever Means. (L-R) Helga Paris Morales, Sayaka Ichikawa, Isabela Coracy, Rosanna Lindsey & Taraja Hudson. Photographed by Nick Guttridge.

More Information

Age Guidance: 7+ (click here for Content Advisory Notes)

Trailer

 

NINA: behind the scenes

you May Also Like...

  • The Harder They Come

    SAT 13 SEP - SAT 25 OCT 2025

    Musicals, On Stage

    "You can get it if you really want."  Based on the cult classic film that brought reggae to the world, THE HARDER THEY COME tells the story of Ivan,...

     Various Times

  • Shoot from the Hip

    SAT 26 JUL 2025

    Comedy, On Stage

    SHOOT FROM THE HIP bring their award-winning, internet-viral improvised comedy back to Stratford East! And they've got access to the prop cupboard too...

     7:30 PM

  • Heritage Tour

    Fri 27th Jun

    On Stage

    Interested in the theatre and how it all began? How long it took to build? What remains of the original features? Want to experience what it feels lik...

     2:00 PM

Cookies on our website

Stratford has updated its cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This includes cookies from third party social media websites. Such third party cookies may track your use on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time.