About

Seke Chimutengwende: It Begins in Darkness

'It Begins in Darkness' is a dance full of ghosts.
>>>Watch the trailer here.

In this stark, stripped back performance, five dancers move through mysterious and experimental rites of passage, channelling past, present and future tensions through their bodies and voices. As if to exorcise the haunted house of history, the dancers whisper, jump, wrestle, shiver, wail and laugh, filling the space with horrors, both real and imagined.

'It Begins in Darkness' is an environment for processing the fear, anger and confusion which arise from the histories of slavery and colonialism that haunt the present.

Choreographer, Seke Chimutengwende, has been researching the connections between horror, haunting and the histories of slavery and colonialism since 2019. The research has included the writing of a long piece of text, a rehearsal period on Zoom, and a residency at a stately home, alongside work in the studio.

This is Seke’s first independently created group piece since 2015, following recent works 'Black Holes', an Afrofuturist duet with Alexandrina Hemsley, 'Plastic Soul', part rock show, part dance solo, and 'Detective Work', a duet with Stephanie McMann about mystery and figuring things out. He has also recently made a new work with Candoco Dance Company.

'It Begins in Darkness' premiered at The Mount Without in Bristol and enjoyed a sold out show at The Place in London, here's what audiences have been saying:

"Seke Chimutengwende’s ‘It begins in darkness’ is a shapeshifter. Secret labyrinthine structures and a set of killer performances. See it everywhere!" Clara Potter-Sweet

"Amazing amazing amazing work by Seke Chimutengwende, lots of lingering thoughts, absolutely stunning." Elyn See

"This was phenomenal. I was blown away and profoundly moved and disturbed. So glad this work is touring. This show needs to be seen by everyone, not just dance fans." Flora Wellesley Wesley

Credits:

Dancers: Rhys Dennis, Adrienne Ming, Mayowa Ogunnaike, Rose Sall Sao and Natifah White

Conceived and directed by: Seke Chimutengwende

Choreography and text: Seke Chimutengwende with the dancers

Creative input from Alethia Antonia

Dramaturgy: Charlie Ashwell

Lighting design: Marty Langthorne

Costume design: Annie Pender

Composer: Aisha Orazbayeva

Sound technician: Michael Picknett

Producer: Eve Veglio-Hüner

Production manager: Sorcha Stott-Strzala

Supported by:

Arts Council England Project Grants, The Place, Dance4, Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Impermanence, Bluecoat, University of Roehampton, Sadler’s Wells and Chats Palace

Initial support from Wainsgate Dances, Battersea Arts Centre and Newstead Abbey/ Dancing Museums

Press:

On Black Holes:

“formidable and fierce” - Steven Fraser

On Detective Work:

"neuron-firing shock of excitement" - Ben Kulvichit, Exeunt

General Information:

Guests who use a wheelchair or experience mobility impairments are asked to call the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com so that we can assist you to find the best seat to suit your requirements.

Personal assistance tickets are available for free for customers who would otherwise be unable to attend the venue. Please contact the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com for further information.

The Box Office (phone line and drop-in service) is open from 10am to 4pm, Mondays to Fridays. The box office is also open one hour before the advertised show start time.