What would it look like if the exotic and seductive belly dance-like spectacles of the late 19th century teamed up with your favourite playlist? Or if the voguing ballroom scene of 1960s New York collided with postmodern dance?
Step into the dreamlike world of Trajal Harrell and uncover a series of imaginative encounters. Harrell’s performances are carefully crafted blends of fact and fiction in which he skilfully mixes the conceptual with the whimsical in an inventive, playful and sassy way. His choreography meshes together ideas and movements from across the globe spanning many cultures and centuries: from Japanese butoh dancing, postmodern and modern dance, to Classical Greek dancing, erotic dancing, voguing and entertainment alongside his signature use of runway movement.
Harrell rethinks how we process and interpret our pasts by creating dialogues between contrasting cultures, imagining how historical scenarios could have happened differently and in doing so, he is able to explore ideas around emotion, the body, gender, race, sexuality and culture.
The exhibition, a first of its kind in the UK following a residency at The Museum of Modern Art, New York, will feature Harrell’s choreography from nearly two decades. This ambitious project will present over 14 of Harrell’s performances in a changing, daily yet continuous programme of live shows and video projections, including dancing by Harrell himself, with the opportunity to weave in and out of the performances.
Please note, no filming or photography will be allowed in the gallery.
Under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Ticket includes same day re-entry to the exhibition.
Standard £12.50
Concessions £10
Students/14-17 £8
Young Barbican £5 (no booking fee)
Under 14s Free
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Trajal Harrell: Hoochie Koochie includes nudity, as well as some explicit imagery. Parental guidance advised. Under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Every Thursday to Sunday; 20–23 July; 27–30 July; 3–6 Aug; 10–13 Aug 2017
Thurs & Fri: 2pm–9pm (last entry 8.30pm); Sat & Sun: 12pm–6pm (last entry 5.30pm)
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