About Inside Giovanni’s Room

Phoenix Dance Theatre presents Inside Giovanni’s Room, a full-length dance production inspired by James Baldwin’s groundbreaking 1956 novel Giovanni’s Room.

Set in 1950s Paris, Giovanni’s Room tackles themes of love, sexuality, guilt and self-acceptance. Baldwin was known for writing about the African American experience and was warned by his publishers that his exploration of sexual identity and depiction of same-sex relationships could alienate his audience and potentially end his career. Today the novel is celebrated as one of the most important literary works of the 20th century.

To mark Baldwin’s 100th birthday, choreographer Marcus Jarrell Willis unpacks this thought-provoking novel in a narrative dance piece that examines how its themes are still poignant and relevant today.

Founded over 40 years ago by three young Black British men, Phoenix Dance Theatre’s new production builds on their legacy of pushing cultural boundaries and using dance as a platform to ask questions that get to the very heart of what it is to be human.

Founded in 1981 by three Black British men from the Chapeltown area of Leeds, Phoenix Dance Theatre is one of the UK’s leading contemporary dance companies.

For over four decades the company has grown to be internationally respected for their artistic programmes which encapsulate the diverse spirit of multicultural Britain. Each year the company embarks on national tours presenting critically acclaimed dance productions to audiences throughout the UK and further – reaching up to 20,000 people and engaging with up to 6,500 people through the company’s extensive education provision.

Phoenix Dance Theatre is the longest-standing contemporary dance company outside of London and one of few mid-scale contemporary dance companies to employ a permanent company of professional dancers. Phoenix Dance Theatre’s aim is to create dynamic, diverse and relevant work that embodies the company’s rich Caribbean history and shines a light on cultural narratives which are often overlooked or untold.

Rooted in Nadine Senior OBE’s principles of providing the highest quality, accessible dance provisions, the company’s Learning & Development department is celebrated for inspiring and empowering people through the medium of contemporary dance. They are committed to providing opportunities for all through provisions which range from regular weekly classes as part of their Saturday School and Illuminate Dance programmes, pre-vocational training in the Youth Academies based in Leeds, Oldham, York, Doncaster and Sheffield – to bespoke schools’ packages working on cross-curricular or performance led projects.

Phoenix Dance Theatre’s presence both on and off the stage continues to develop and establish diverse new audiences for contemporary dance.