Clod Ensemble and members of Nu Civilisation Orchestra join forces 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.
Taking the format of a piece of kaleidoscopic film, The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady: Listening Party features movement created through improvisation and filmed just before the second lockdown.
Soundtracked by 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, broadcast live from Shoreditch Town Hall.
With 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.
is part of
Listen to The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady on Spotify here:
Supported by Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation, and by Hackney Council’s Shoreditch and Hoxton Arts Fund, created from a levy on developers to support arts and culture programmes that bring different communities together.
Images – Still from The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady. Performers Maëva Berthelot, Stephanie Antoine & Harry Alexander
Lead image – photography by Manuel Vason, design by Myriam Waldbillig. Performers: Peter Edwards and Monique Etienne.
The Listening Party was created by Clod Ensemble & Nu Civilisation Orchestra
In association with Shoreditch Town Hall and EFG London Jazz Festival
Film Production by YeastCulture.org
Suzy Willson – Director
Peter Edwards & Paul Clark – Music Directors
Nick Hillel – Director of Filming & Editor
Marianthi Hatzikidi – Stylist
Roxanne Peak-Payne – Producer
Movement created and performed by:
Harry Alexander
Makiko Aoyama
Jonathon Baker
Maëva Berthelot
Gaby Conn
Julie Cunningham
Ihsaan de Banya
Tylor Deyn
Monique Etienne
Valerie Ebuwa
Yen-Ching Lin
Eleanor Perry
Rachele Rapisardi
Ellen Yilma
With local Hackney residents:
Stephanie Antoine from Tropical Isles
Armani Antoine-Daye
Janette Collins
Nahla Hamilton
Porah Henry
Tariq Lee
Lisa Ogun
Milan Morgan
Shanelle Nwanaebi
Ariah Pursey-Reid
and Porridge the dog
… and online contributions from:
Zoë Bywater
Sarah Cameron
Tiffany Desplanques
Scott Jennings
Chihiro Kawasaki
Ramona Nagabczyńska-de Barbaro
Ino Riga
Featuring designs from the collections of:
Simone Rocha, Art School, Eudon Choi, and Slim Barrett
Filmed at Shoreditch Town Hall and the Rose Lipman Building, Hackney
Hosted by:
Suzy Willson & Paul Clark, Artistic Directors for Clod Ensemble
Peter Edwards, Music Director for Nu Civilisation Orchestra
Gary Crosby, Artistic Director for Nu Civilisation Orchestra & Tomorrow’s Warriors
Lisa Ogun, Local Engagement Representative
Production team:
Eric Trometer – Camera Operator and Lighting
Benjamin Leggett – Camera Assistant
Adam Smith – After Effects
Duncan Birch – Post Production Assistant
Martin Collins – Broadcast Unit Manager
Andy Downie – Production Manager
Kit Denison – Assistant Producer
Tanya Stephenson – Stage Manager
Pembe Tokluhan – Production and Technical Associate
Beth Bilcliffe – Wardrobe Supervisor
Developed and supported by the brilliant teams at Clod Ensemble and Tomorrow’s Warriors.