BLKDOG returns to Sadler’s Wells

BLKDOG WON the Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production in 2019 and is back at Sadler’s Wells with a new London Premiere in November.

it feels now is the right time more than ever to bring BLKDOG to London

Botis Seva

First seen as part of Reckonings in 2018 to celebrate Sadler’s Wells’ 20th anniversary, the work has been developed into this new, full length version. BLKDOG will be presented at Sadler’s Wells as part of a UK and International tour.

Vital and gripping BLKDOG is Botis Seva’s haunting commentary on surviving adulthood as a childlike artist.

A genre-defying blend of hip hop dance and free form antics, BLKDOG explores the inner battlefield of an ageing artist trying to retain his youth.

With a pounding, brooding score the music adds layers of meaning, highlighting the inner working of the characters’ minds.

The music has grown from a long-standing collaboration between Seva and Torben Lars Sylvest and includes a mixture of original music and words performed by Botis’ powerhouse company Far From The Norm and guests.

Tom Visser’s lighting brings a dark smog of disillusion as the choreography delves into the underbelly of life, while the hooded caps and padded costumes by Ryan Laight echo the protection and comfort of childhood. BLKDOG searches for coping mechanisms in the ultimate hunt for acceptance.

South London-born, Seva formed his company Far From The Norm aged 19. Influenced by hip-hop theatre, his talent grew largely unmentored on the streets of London. Seva’s work is rooted in his experience of social deprivation and racism shaping his unique physical style with echoes of hip-hop, street dance and black culture.

Botis Seva said: “After everything that the world has gone through over the last 18 months, the COVID-19 pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and uprising of the Black Lives Matter movement, it feels now is the right time more than ever to bring BLKDOG to London.

“We are so excited to share how BLKDOG has developed and crystallised as a result of the recent political events.”

Comments Form

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*
*

Support The Voice

The Voice Newspaper is committed to celebrating black excellence, campaigning for positive change and informing the black community on important issues. Your financial contributions are essential to protect the future of the publication as we strive to help raise the profile of the black communities across the UK. Any size donation is welcome and we thank you for your continued support.

Support Sign-up