INTERNATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED, Leeds-based Phoenix Dance Theatre is set to return to Keswick on March 4 to present Black Waters in Theatre By The Lake’s Main House, an original contemporary dance work which premiered at Leeds Playhouse on 12 February.
This is the third time Phoenix has visited Theatre by the Lake in recent years, having thrilled audiences with The Rite of Spring in 2019 and Windrush: Movement of the People in 2018.
Black Waters explores two harrowing events in history. In 1782, the owners of the Zong ship attempted to claim insurance on the lives of the 130 slaves that they threw overboard. Over 100 years later the Kala Pani prison was used by British colonial forces to incarcerate Indian freedom fighters who spoke out against the regime.
Black Waters will also see Phoenix Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director, Sharon Watson, co-choreograph for the first time with the Artistic Directors of Kolkata-based company Rhythmosaic, Shambik Ghose and Dr Mitul Sengupta, in a captivating fusion of western contemporary dance movement and classical kathak Indian dance.
Sharon Watson, Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre, said: “Black Waters is not about recreating these two events through contemporary dance, but is an exploration of place, worth and belonging, which can often be conflicting for people of colour.”
Placing multiculturalism at its heart, the piece promises to be an emotionally evocative and culturally relevant production, which shows how from despair, people find value, inspiration and hope. The tour also includes Leeds Playhouse, Northern Stage, Sadlers Wells, Forum Theatre, Cast in Doncaster, The Civic and The Lowry.
- Tickets are £19, £16, £11; Students, U16s, Schools £11. To find out more or book tickets for the show visit www.theatrebythelake.com or call the Box Office on 017687 74411.
