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Artistic Director and Choreographer, Jeanefer Jean-Charles’ dance performance explores and challenges historical and contemporary perceptions of black people in history through choreography.Black Victorians is inspired by the discovery of hundreds of studio photographs of black men, women and children in England from the Victorian era, airbrushed from our society for over 100 years.
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.
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 and gives voice and body to the characters in the portraits.
Performed with Milton Keynes’s iconic Peace Pagoda as a backdrop, Black Victorians is a performance that gives audiences a chance to experience history, as told through choreography.
Creative Director & Choreographer: Jeanefer Jean-Charles Jeanefer is a globally respected artist, specialising in large-scale outdoor performances. Since starting her journey as Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Bullies Ballerinas’ Jazz Dance Company, her work has taken her to over 21 countries. Her unique creative process aims to bring to life the talents, strengths and shared stories of local communities and artists in inspiring and unforgettable ways.
Her career highlights include the role of Mass Movement Coordinator for all four of the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies and Roald Dahl’s City of the Unexpected in Cardiff, Artistic Director for The Rugby League World Cup Opening Ceremony (2013) and directed Spirit of Woolwich in the Transe Express Cristal Palace show for Greenwich Festival’s Global Streets event (2019).
Read more: www.jeanefer.com
Designer: Marsha Roddy Composer: Danilo DJ Walde Poet and Writer: Anthony Anaxagorou Creative Consultant: Martha Stylianou Creative Dance Artists: Cherilyn Albert, Kloe Dean, Rhys Dennis and Bafana Solomon Mateo
Read about the exhibition that inspired Black Victorians - Black Chronicles II curated by Renée Mussai at the Autograph Gallery in London (2014): autograph.org.uk
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This is an outdoor event, please dress for the weather.
No pets please - registered assistance dogs are welcome Camping and BBQs are not permitted in Campbell Park No glass bottles or alcohol purchased off-site are permitted Alcohol is not permitted into the wider Campbell Park area
Festival Stewards, First Aiders and other services are on site to help you – please approach them if you have any questions.
The Festival aims to be as accessible as possible and welcomes people with disabilities. We always welcome specific access enquiries - you can email us at [email protected] or call the Box Office on 01908 280800.
Covid-19 Safety The safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff is our highest priority. As well as following all government and industry guidelines, we’re working closely with specialist safety advisors to ensure all our event locations are Covid-safe and secure for everyone. We will update more information between now and the Festival.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Peace Pagoda, North Willen Lake Willen, MK15 0BA Milton Keynes, UK, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
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