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Ivan Michael Blackstock TRAPLORD

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A man kneeling on the ground, his eyes covered by his cap. He wears a black hoodie. He is surrounded by pieces of a black car and red laser lights.

Sadler’s Wells x 180 Studios
A co-production with The Factory and ALTRUVIOLET

From award winning dance artist and cultural innovator Ivan Michael Blackstock comes TRAPLORD, a dance performance meditating on life, death and rebirth.

Wandering between dreams and reality, TRAPLORD takes us on a new heroic journey to self-actualisation.

Using dance, theatre and spoken word to explore raw and confrontational themes of mental health and masculinity, TRAPLORD is an invitation to question the stereotyping of Black men in contemporary western society; an attempt to escape from the mental state of being condemned before having lived.

Within this production are artistic choices and truthful narratives that pursue authentic lived experiences including physical and mental trauma, and may include images which depict abuse. TRAPLORD aims to inspire a healing process in both our performers and audience members. Thank you for coming with us on this journey.

Part of Well Seasoned

Creative credits:
Director and Choreographer – Ivan Michael Blackstock
Co-Designer – Chloe Lamford
Co-Designer – Shankho Chaudhuri
Lighting Designer – Simisola Majekodunmi
Sound Designer – Luke Swaffield for Autograph
Video Designer – Ian William Galloway
Costume Designer – Saskia Lenaerts

Supported using public money by Arts Council England.

Supported by Cockayne – Grants for the Arts and The London Community Foundation, The Maria Björnson Memorial Fund and The Foyle Foundation.

Header image © Furmaan Ahmed

Well Seasoned - Celebrating Black Dance

180 The Strand

Blackstock’s interrogation of stereotypes is broodingly atmospheric
★★★★ THE GUARDIAN

Technically brilliant and conceptually unique exploration of Blackness and masculinity
★★★★ THE STAGE

TRAPLORD is an extraordinary ensemble piece about black masculinity, power and mortality that becomes an overwhelming and ferocious plea for support and understanding.
THE REVIEW HUB

TRAPLORD is in many ways a remarkable work, with high production values and served by a dozen strong dancers
CULTURE WHISPER

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