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Ballet Black at 25
01 May to 02 May
About Ballet Black at 25
Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a much-anticipated return to Oxford Playhouse.
For 25 years, Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black has brought bold new ballet to stages across the UK, creating and sharing original stories with dancers from around the world. This anniversary season celebrates a quarter of a century of innovation, mentoring and collaboration, while looking ahead to the future.
This landmark double bill features Ingoma (2019), the choreographic debut of former Company dancer, Mthuthuzeli November. Inspired by the 1946 South African miners’ strike, a precursor to the anti-apartheid movement, Ingoma captures the suffering and resilience of Black miners and their communities, bringing rarely told stories to the ballet stage.
The work won both the 2020 Olivier Award and the Black British Theatre Award for Best Dance Production and now makes its Oxford premiere.
Alongside it comes …all towards hope. A joyful new commission from Alvin Ailey royalty Hope Boykin, a two-time Bessie Award winner, making her UK choreographic debut. Boykin, who says “I make work and create environments from personal and lived experiences”, creates a celebratory piece especially for Ballet Black’s 25th year – a vibrant tribute to the company’s journey and a bold look towards its future.
Audiences can expect Ballet Black’s signature blend of powerful storytelling, striking choreography and rich global influences, in a programme that honours the past while celebrating the future.
For 25 years, Ballet Black has transformed the landscape of British ballet – creating vital opportunities for dancers and artists of Black and Asian descent, while building a repertoire that resonates with audiences around the world.
Reviews
“These dancers are a force to be reckoned with.” ★★★★
The Times
“Dazzling double bill brings forth resistance and hope.” ★★★★
The Guardian
“Ballet Black consistently brings new and exciting work to Oxford Playhouse.”
Oxford Dance Writers
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
From £15.00
A £2.75 booking fee per transaction applies to this event across all channels – website, phone and in-person bookings at the Box Office. The fee is waived for members, schools, groups and access bookers.
Dates & times:
Friday 01 to Saturday 02 May 2026 at 7.30am
Running time:
1 hour 40 minutes
Age guidance:
7+
About Oxford Playhouse
Oxford Playhouse and its Burton Taylor Studio present and produce several live performances and feature a rich array of British and international dramas, family entertainment, contemporary dance and music, student and amateur shows, comedy, lectures and poetry.
The Playhouse not only produces and tours its own theatrical productions, but it also fosters creativity through its Artists in Residence program and the Playhouse Plays Out series, which brings unique events to various locations across the county.
The theatre’s Participation Team engages over 15,000 individuals annually, offering an extensive range of activities, including post-show discussions, workshops, work experience opportunities, holiday programs, a youth theatre, and a company for young performers.
Oxford Playhouse stands dedicated to its mission of being a Playhouse for all, striving to ignite inspiration and bring about transformative experiences through its commitment to creativity on its stages, within its community and online.
Discover more about Oxford Playhouse, including travel, access and venue information.
