Casa Poncho OBE brings Ballet Black to the Lowry for their 25th anniversary. The evening consists of two very different pieces, with the abstract “… all towards hope” newly created by Hope Boykyn in 2026, followed by the definitely non-abstract “INGOMA” created by Mthuthuzeli November in 2019 which won an Olivier award.
… all towards hope combines classical and modern ballet with a voiceover (by Boykin) which gives way to various musical backings scored by Bill Laurance. The dancers congregate, separate, pair up, split up, with some very skilful (and extended) en pointe moments. There are lifts and drags and individual performances are great, but it’s when everyone is on stage that things worked best for me.
The piece splits into several scenes which makes it a bit fragmented, rather losing the flow along the way. Rather annoyingly the voiceover returns halfway through, but the jazz finale is fabulous.
INGOMA (meaning “song”) is a much more grounded work, telling the story of a mine workers’ strike in Marikana, South Africa, in 2012 where police opened fire, killing 34. It’s a powerful second act, and the score by Peter Johnson and Mthuthuzeli November includes haunting vocals in Xhosa with equally haunting cello music.
The dance here is feral at times, reflecting the miners’ desperation and struggle against racial injustice and exploitation, but there are moments of tenderness too as the wives come to terms with their loss. Again, the dance combines classical and modern steps but also includes Gumboot sequences. This piece flowed far better than the first with each scene linked to the prior one, and with no breaks.
The opening scene where a miner and partner are in the spotlight is breathtaking; the tenderness and physical strength displayed brought a lump to the throat. The next one depicts the terrible conditions the miners worked in at the coalface, with pickaxes and headlamps employed to good effect. This segued into a third, where the wives mourn their husbands. Finally, everyone merges into a single group in a show of strength and resistance, and the fulsome applause was more than justified.
Sadly, this was the only performance at The Lowry, but it’s touring, so other opportunities are available.
As ever, our party also saved money at the bar with their Canal St Cards. MORE HERE
Paul Schofield for Canal Street Online