The first piece, A Shadow Work, is an atmospheric piece where the sense of anticipation of unknown forces prevails. There is a disquiet in the dance. Movements are often angular, and dancers appear conflicted within themselves and at odds with each other.

But then, there are moments when movement flows, and a sense of harmony takes over. The ensemble work is strong and the performances of lead dancers Taraja Hudson and Acaoã de Castro is impressive. The uncertainty of shadows is expressed through their relationships as they move from intimacy to distance. The single prop, a wicker basket, its lid closed, passes unopened between the two, suggesting secrets contained in the shadows.

The lighting of the piece is highly atmospheric, creating textured shapes of black and grey on the stage flooring. As these advance and retreat, they provide shadowy areas from which dancers emerge and disappear. The soundtrack adds a further dimension with its sombre atonal mood and its heavy beat.

The second piece, My Sister, The Serial Killer, is a piece based on Oyinkan Braithwaite‘s novel of the same name. Here the shadows are of a psychological nature. The role of Korede (danced by Isabela Coracy), it would appear, is to clean up after her sister Ayoola (danced by Helga Paris Morales) who has a tendency to kill her boyfriends. So far, so straight forward, until Ayoola starts dating a doctor whom Korede has fallen for.

The choreography of this piece is both creative and humorous. A hospital scene is full of the routine involved in the care of the sick by the specialists. A party scene to music from reggae band Toots & The Maytals provides a feel-good factor. But behind all this lurks a woman who can’t stop herself from plunging the knife in when the moment takes her. The shadows are always there.

The quality of dance which Ballet Black performs is first-rate. But more than this, it is a company which is prepared to innovate and to try out different material. The overall feeling is one of freshness and vitality. See Ballet Black if you can – this company is well worth your attention.
For A Shadow Works, choreography and direction were by Chanel Da Silva. The original score was composed by Cristinia Spinei and lighting designs were by David Plater.

For My Sister, The Serial Killer, choreography, direction and adaptation for stage were by Cassa Pancho. Ballet Black’s founder and artistic director is Cassa Pancho.

Shadows is on at the Rep until 28th March. For further information visit balletblack.co.ukballetblack.co.uk.