Northern Ballet Debuts 'Gentleman Jack'

The ballet "Gentleman Jack" draws from the extensive and explicit diaries of Anne Lister, which consist of over five million words. A significant portion, about one-sixth of the text, was written in a secret code she developed with a former lover, combining Greek letters, zodiac signs, and mathematical symbols to detail her romantic and sexual relationships with women. The creative team for the ballet is predominantly female and includes choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, with a new score by Peter Salem and creative consultation from Sally Wainwright, the writer of the BBC/HBO television series of the same name. Ballet Black is celebrating its 25th anniversary by reviving "Ingoma," an Olivier Award-winning work by choreographer Mthuthuzeli November. The piece is inspired by the 1946 and 2012 South African miners' strikes, particularly the Marikana massacre of 2012 where police killed 34 striking miners. "Ingoma" explores the resilience and suffering of the Black miners and their families, set to a score by Peter Johnson and November himself that incorporates industrial sounds and chants. "Turn It Out with Tiler Peck & Friends" is a curated program showcasing a blend of ballet, tap, and contemporary dance. The show features works by renowned choreographers including William Forsythe, Alonzo King, and a collaborative piece by Peck, tap icon Michelle Dorrance, and Jillian Meyers. The production includes live music, with a piece set to a score by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw. The program for "Turn It Out" includes "The Barre Project, Blake Works II," a piece originally created for film by William Forsythe with music by James Blake. Another highlight is "Time Spell," a New York City Center commission that brings together a large cast in a fusion of tap, ballet, and hip-hop. The touring cast features a diverse lineup of acclaimed dancers such as India Bradley, Chun Wai Chan, Lex Ishimoto, and Roman Mejia.