THE BLACK SAINT AND THE SINNER LADY AT THE BARBICAN
In Association with Nu Civilisation Orchestra
Wednesday 16th – Saturday 19th April 2025
Barbican Centre, London EC2Y 8DS
“A joyful celebration of movement” – The Guardian *****
Clod Ensemble and Nu Civilisation Orchestra’s ground-breaking interpretation of Charles Mingus’ The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady returns to London this April at the Barbican Centre.
Charles Mingus’ 1963 album The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady is a seminal 20th century jazz composition and is still regularly cited as Mingus’ finest hour. Mingus always envisioned dance accompanying his provocative masterpiece. To honour that vision and to bring Mingus’ music to life for a new generation, Clod Ensemble and Nu Civilisation Orchestra will fill the Barbican Theatre with sound and movement.
Directed by Suzy Willson, Clod Ensemble’s dynamic dancers will join the orchestra, led by MOBO-nominated Peter Edwards and featuring Artistic Director Gary Crosby OBE on bass. Students from Rambert School will accompany Clod Ensemble’s dancers in the production.
Image credit: Jesse Olu Olubanjo And you can join in too! Share the floor with outstanding artists as we transform the stage into a vibrant cabaret venue. Lose yourself in the music on the dancefloor or take a backseat and soak up the atmosphere with a drink from the on-stage bar. Everyone, including wallflowers, are invited to this electric celebration.
This new production of The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady follows Clod Ensemble and Nu Civilisation Orchestra’s sold-out performances at The Barbican Centre in April 2024 and Shoreditch Town Hall in November 2023.
As well as showcasing Mingus’ classic album in full, the show also features three new compositions: Let’s Lime by Romarna Campbell, Slow Dance by Peter Edwards and Cripps Yard by Paul Clark.
This performance takes place on the Barbican Theatre stage. There will be a mixture of standing, standing tables and unreserved cabaret table seating.
Running time approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes (including a 20-minute interval).
The event is wheelchair accessible. The performance on Thursday 17th will feature British Sign Language interpretation.
This production contains haze.
Image credit: Jesse Olu Olubanjo 
