The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady – Barbican, London

Creators: Clod Ensemble and Nu Civilisation Orchestra

A warm and festive atmosphere of strung fairy lights and suspended decorations invites you in and sets the scene. Performers greet the audience with informal chit-chat, creating a relaxed mood as people grab drinks from the bar. Once the audience settles around the compact edges of the dance floor, Chloe Carter introduces herself as the evening’s guide, inviting everyone to join in the chant: “More light, more power.” She reassures us that this isn’t Strictly; there are no judges, and while participation is encouraged, there’s no pressure to take to the floor. Nevertheless, she urges us to let the music move through us.

The first half offers a selection of original songs, designed to ease in the audience: from a warm-up song to a gentle slow dance to a more vibrant and exuberant finale before the interval. The set-up is reminiscent of old dance halls, where anyone can join in, be invited to dance, or simply watch from the sidelines. The simplicity of the premise fulfils the joy it brings, whether you’re dancing or watching others connect on the floor. New friendships form effortlessly, thanks to the dancers’ natural and seamless ability to foster a sense of community.

The choreography is simple, yet effective, and easy to follow while maintaining an air of spontaneity. The professional dancers never overshadow the audience; instead, their grace elevates the space without feeling overly showy. While sightlines can be tricky due to the lack of tiered seating, forcing some to peer over shoulders, the informal setup adds to the authentic, festive vibe, reminiscent of a wedding celebration.

After a well-timed interval to rest and refresh, the second half takes the audience through Charles Mingus’s The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady. Following a brief introduction to contextualise the album, the music immediately captivates us as elegantly played by the Nu Civilisation Orchestra. Peter Edwards conducts in perfect timing, and we impressively learn that he transcribed this album entirely by ear. As the jazz intensifies, each soloist dazzles while the dancers riff off and personify the music, embodying the spirit of a dance battle between instruments. The sense of improvisation is palpable, bringing the emotional depth of Mingus’s work to life.

In today’s day and age, opportunities like this to truly let music sing through your body are rare. This performance stands out as a chance to fully engage with the moment. The joy of being present, letting the music move you, and connecting with others through the freedom of dance is truly something special.

Runs until 21 September 2024