Clod Ensemble Announces Screenings of Kaleidoscopic Dance Film, ‘The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady’
Trailblazing cross-disciplinary performance company Clod Ensemble presents a celebration of Charles Mingus’ 1963 masterpiece, The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady. This kaleidoscopic dance film unlocks a new way of listening to the wildly sensual, rhythmically explosive album.
In early 2020, Clod Ensemble and Nu Civilisation Orchestra were about to present a live dance celebration of ‘Black Saint’. However, Lockdown resulted in a change of plan, culminating in this unique and life-affirming film set to the album in its original recorded format, performed by Charles Mingus and his band.
Audiences are invited to experience a new way of listening to this wildly sensual, rhythmically explosive classic album by watching world-class dancers bring the music to life, unlocking powerful elements such as its complex structure, beautiful melodies, visceral emotions, moods, and feelings.
The film is available to watch online throughout the festival. In addition, there is a free screening at the Southbank Centre before Nu Civilisation Orchestra’s Joni Mitchell’s Hejira / Mingus performance on Thursday, 17th November, at 6:15 pm.
Clod Ensemble director Suzy Willson says: ‘We are pleased to be revisiting this film, created during lockdown with a company of incredible dancers and guest appearances from Hackney residents and carnival arts organisation Tropical Isles. It remains a celebration of Mingus’ wildly sensual, rhythmically explosive classic album – of both the music and the movement it inspires.’
Listing information
The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady: A dance film. Free screenings of The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady throughout the festival: Stream the film here from 1st–20th November 2022. Sign up here to be reminded when the film goes live.
Free screening in the foyer of Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Thursday 17th November 2022, at 6:15 pm, before Nu Civilisation Orchestra’s performance of Joni Mitchell’s Hejira / Mingus featuring ESKA in Queen Elizabeth Hall at 7:30 pm
Wrap-around events
Morning movement for all abilities
Join dancers from The Black Saint & The Sinner Lady film for a 30-minute online session of guided movement to music inspired by an exhilarating selection of jazz music. Refresh, re-energise, breathe deeper and get in flow for the day ahead—various mornings throughout the festival.
Clod Ensemble is led by director and choreographer Suzy Willson and composer Paul Clark. They create provocative, finely crafted performances driven by movement and music. Their work is presented in London, across the UK and internationally in theatres, dance houses, galleries and public spaces nationally internationally.
Nu Civilisation Orchestra is the brainchild of award-winning bassist and bandleader Gary Crosby OBE. Pianist and composer Peter Edwards has directed the NCO since its inception. The orchestra is renowned for excellence and diversity in its members, repertoire and artistic collaborations, creating ambitious projects focusing on artists from different musical backgrounds and art forms.
