Grace Jones Inspired Performance Seeks To Define New Future For Women Of Colour

NIGHTCLUBBING is a brand-new show 'Developed With' The Lowry. It embraces Afrofuturism, the cultural aesthetic behind the blockbuster 'Black Panther,' which combines elements of science fiction, magical realism and African history.

Named after Grace Jones' 1981 landmark album 'Nightclubbing', the show was originally sparked by an event in 2015 where two young black women were racially discriminated against and refused entry to a London nightclub.

NIGHTCLUBBING will reflect on the current progress and challenges around struggles for gender and racial equality. It embraces an intersectional approach to feminism, where the multiple oppressions faced by trans women, disabled women, women of colour and black women are recognised.

Rachael will be joined on stage by musicians who are also People of Colour to create a visceral score, set against relentless choreography and striking intergalactic imagery.

Rachael Young said: "NIGHTCLUBBING will look towards a different future; a future where being a Person of Colour, or being a Woman, or being a queer person doesn't count against you, where we come together and harness our enormous collective power and change absolutely everything about the systems that hold us down. The now global #BlackLivesMatter movement was started by three Black women; Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi. That's a huge inspiration, it gives me hope that WE can make this change happen."

Rachael Young is an award-winning artist working across theatre, live art and socially engaged projects. Her practice responds to autobiographical experiences and socio-political landscapes, often connecting with communities who are under-represented in the arts. Rachael's current work explores political resistance and the relentless fight against oppression.

NIGHTCLUBBING is part of The Lowry's 'Developed With' series and will premiere at The Lowry on Thu 26 & Fri 27 April before touring to Camden People's Theatre Tue 8 - Sat 12 May. Rachael Young has been the recipient of a package of support to help them develop new shows. This work forms part of The Lowry's artist development programme, a scheme supported by Arts Council England and The Eranda Rothschild Foundation.

NIGHTCLUBBING is also supported by Arts Council England through Grants for the Arts, Live Art UK, Diverse Actions, The Marlborough Theatre, Greenwich Dance & Laban and Camden People's Theatre.

Collaborators on NIGHTCLUBBING include: Sound artist/musician: Mwen Rukandema, Lighting Design: Nao Nagai, Set and Costume Design: Naomi Kuyck-Cohen, Outside Eye/dramaturg: Season Butler and Producer: Anna Smith.

Tickets: £12. Concessions £10.
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Photo Credit: Marcus Hessenberg