Black Victorians is inspired by nineteenth century studio photographs of Black men, women and children – Black Chronicles II curated by Renée Mussai at the Autograph Gallery in London.
Exploring a complex, but often forgotten black presence in pre-Windrush Britain, this performance calls attention to previously hidden figures and challenges historical and contemporary perceptions.
Picture dancers dressed in restrictive Victorian costumes, shedding them in rebellion as they dance in African, contemporary and hip-hop styles re-imagining a moment in history. Their movement will invoke their origins in powerful ways, bringing voice and body to the portraits that inspired us.
Part of Reclaiming Narratives.
The Making of Black Victorians: A Talk by Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE
Sunday 27 October, 1.15pm
Braithwaite Hall
Choreographer Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE and dancer Nosiphiwo Samante will share excerpts from Black Victorians and take you on an in-depth exploration of three of the characters in the piece. You will also get a chance to see a mini exhibition of the first presence of Black and Asian people in photography in Britain during the Victorian era and find out more about this part of our story that has been airbrushed from society.
Black Victorians is produced and co-commissioned by FESTIVAL.ORG, Brighton Festival, Hatfair and Without Walls and is currently touring across the UK.