Watch a kaleidoscopic dance film which unlocks a new way of listening to Charles Mingus’ wildly sensual, rhythmically explosive album.
As part of the celebrations for Charles Mingus’ centenary, this film is being screened for free before the Nu Civilisation Orchestra’s performance of Joni Mitchell’s Hejira and Mingus.
Experience a new perspective on Mingus’ big band masterpiece The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady. In this film world-class dancers move to the classic album, celebrating its beautiful melodies, complex structure and huge emotional range.
In 2020, Clod Ensemble and Nu Civilisation Orchestra were about to present a live dance celebration of the album, but plans changed.
Instead, they kept themselves sane by listening and moving to the music throughout lockdown – culminating in this unique and life-affirming film set to the original recording performed by Charles Mingus and his band.
Clod Ensemble is led by director Suzy Willson and composer Paul Clark. They create provocative, finely crafted performances, driven by movement and music. Their work is presented in London, across the UK and internationally in theatres, dance houses, galleries and public spaces.
Nu Civilisation Orchestra is the brainchild of bassist and bandleader Gary Crosby OBE. Pianist and composer Peter Edwards has directed the NCO since its inception. The orchestra has a reputation for excellence and diversity in its members, its repertoire and its artistic collaborations, creating ambitious projects focusing on artists from very different music backgrounds and art forms.