A Shadow Work is no exception to Ballet Black’s track record of beautiful, experimental and moving choreography and performance. In a double bill with their entertaining interpretation of My Sister, The Serial Killer, the two halves of this highly skilled performance were both dynamic yet complementary to each other.
A reference to Carl Jung’s concept of the ‘shadow self,’ A Shadow Work made use of choreographic devices that risk cliche: a box-shaped metaphor for one’s own internal struggle, and a singular dancer in white among a company in sheer black costume. Yet, the cohesion between lighting and dance, the incredible use of motif, and the altogether experimental and unconventional forms of movement within the piece weave it into a striking and poignant ballet that expresses an entirely familiar feeling. With a distinct recurring diagonal lighting that creates the effect of a passageway, the audience is invited to untangle their own subconscious alongside our protagonist. The piece descends into chaotic and angular cannon sequences, impressive and organic lifts, and abstract, more narrative sections. Choreographer Chanel DaSilva considers the body in its entirety, considering movement down to the tip of the finger. The skill of these dancers and the diversity of their movement styles brings a level of authenticity and togetherness to the company that compliments this piece in both its abstractness and its representation of a tangible, shared experience. Underscored by Cristina Spinei’s composition, skillfully encompassing electronic and classical sounds, the piece also made use of silence, forcing tension into the space.
In contrast, My Sister, The Serial Killer, based on the novel by Oyinkan Braithwaite, brought entertainment in a different form. Formed more like a conventional ballet, the company demonstrated their incredible command of physical theatre, as we watched them multirole as doctors, patients, party-goers and creatures of the subconscious. Director and choreographer Cassa Pancho balances technical ballet with ballroom, contemporary and dramatic physicality in an amalgamation of styles that keeps the piece dynamic and highly entertaining. Complimented by a vibrant array of costumes and intelligent choices of set pieces, the piece was coherent and engaging, witty and dark.
An entirely cohesive yet totally contrasting two acts, A Shadow Work / My Sister, The Serial Killer pushes the boundaries of the modern ballet world in all directions. For a dynamic two hours of choreography that encompasses the subconscious and the literal, an evening that is both narrative and abstract, Ballet Black have achieved a beautiful evening of dance.
Review by Gina Stock
When Korede gets a distress call from her sister Ayoola, she knows what she needs: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel, and a strong stomach. It’s the third boyfriend Ayoola has killed in “self-defense,” and the third mess Korede has to clean up. She should probably go to the police, but family comes first. Things take a turn when Ayoola begins dating the doctor Korede secretly loves, forcing Korede to choose between saving him and betraying her sister…
A Shadow Work (2025)
Created with support from the John Ellerman Foundation
Choreography & Direction | Chanel DaSilva
Original score | Cristina Spinei
Costume design | Natalie Pryce
Assistant Choreographer | Jamal Callender
Rehearsal director | Charlotte Broom
CAST | Taraja Hudson, Acaoã de Castro, Isabela Coracy, Megan Chiu, Love Kotiya, Bhungane Mehlomakulu, Helga Paris-Morales, Elijah Peterkin, Ebony Thomas & Ruby Runham
My Sister, The Serial Killer (2025)
Created with support from the Cockayne Foundation
Adapted from the best-selling novel by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Choreography, direction & adaptation for stage | Cassa Pancho
Associate Choreographer | Jacob Wye
Additional choreography | Charlotte Broom, Isabela Coracy, Acaoã de Castro, Megan Chiu, Taraja Hudson, Mikayla Isaacs, Love Kotiya, Bhungane Mehlomakulu, Helga Paris-Morales, Elijah Peterkin, & Ebony Thomas
Original score | Tom Harrold
Costume design | Jessica Cabassa
Set design | Richard Bolton
CAST
Korede | Isabela Coracy
Ayoola, her sister | Helga Paris Morales
Tade, the doctor | Ebony Thomas
Femi (deceased) | Love Kotiya
Gboyega | Acaoã de Castro
The River | The Nurses | The Patients | The Party Guests | The Ghosts Acaoã de Castro, Megan Chiu, Taraja Hudson, Mikayla Isaacs, Love Kotiya, Bhungane Mehlomakulu, Elijah Peterkin & Ruby Runham.
BALLET BLACK: SHADOWS
Sadler’s Wells Theatre
26 to 29 November 2025
