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Phoenix Dance Theatre Inside Giovanni’s Room

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A turquoise background with a floating box. Inside are two performers, one bending backwards, the other reaching over.

James Baldwin’s groundbreaking novel is brought to life by these titans of UK dance theatre


Published and set in the 1950s, James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room tackles themes of love, sexuality, guilt and self-acceptance.

Now, to mark Baldwin’s 100th birthday, choreographer Marcus Jarrell Willis unpacks this thought-provoking novel in a narrative dance piece that looks at how the themes are still so poignant and relevant today.

Founded 40 years ago by three young Black British men who dared to create a platform to share their lived experiences through dance, Phoenix Dance Theatre’s new production continues that mission.

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Header image description: A turquoise background with a box floating in the middle. Inside are two performers, one bending backwards and the other reaching over the top of them.

Header Image © Drew Forsyth

Nearest tube is
Stratford
Did you know?
Following a young American man exploring his bisexuality in Paris, Baldwin’s publisher suggested at the time that Giovanni’s Room could ruin his career.

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