The Dawning - Lowry CAT Showcase

BORN TO EXIST: the woman I know

By Joseph Toonga 

This Hip Hop Dance Theatre Production forms Toonga’s third part of his Nationally acclaimed, Hip Hop Dance trilogy that invites change, and a sense of overcoming stigmas society holds towards ethnic minorities. Analysing representation with an intersectional focus to show untold, underrepresented, individual journeys.
 
Joseph combines his research with his own experiences and the cast to manifest what is means to be a human and show it in all it’s ugliness, beauty, contradictions and complexity. 

Joseph’s choreographic style is used as a conduit for trauma, fed through a vacuum of movement and given to audiences.
 
This work brings together a powerhouse of creatives, lighting design by Simisola Majekodunmi, an original score from Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante and dramaturg Peggy Olislaegers and provides the platform for ultimate activism.

Alongside this theatre production Joseph is collaborating with three afro Brazilan female creatives to establish a social programme in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The progamme ‘Young, Gifted & Black’ works to support and empower low-income black female teenagers favela’s in Rio through dance

“My job is to somehow make them curious enough and persuade them by nook or crook to get more aware of themselves, where they came from, what they are into and what is already there and to bring it out. This is what compels me to compel them and I will do it by what ever means necessary” Nina Simone, 1969 

Commissioned by Theatre Boulevard, The Place & DanceEast, supported by Redbridge Drama Centre, South East Dance and the Arts Council England.

"Toonga’s choreography sits neatly alongside the cultural signifiers of black culture" - Lorna Irvine, fjord review

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 champion and dance heart-throb Giovanni Pernice invites
you to join him on a journey to his homeland for his brand new 2023 production of ‘Made
in Italy’.

Joined by an outstanding ensemble of some of the best dancers and singers from the
Ballroom and theatre world, this show promises to be a fantastic night out!
This Italian themed show features an incredible sound track, stunning choreography and
beautiful costumes. But be warned… in Italy, it can get HOT HOT HOT!!!!

There are a limited number of VIP tickets available which includes show ticket, plus a pre-show
meet & greet with Giovanni, a signed print, VIP lanyard and photo opportunities.
Te VIP meet and greet is PRE-SHOW, 90 minutes before the performance is due to start.
All VIP ticket holders must arrive at least 10 minutes before the meet and greet start time, as latecomers may
not be permitted.

***** Giovanni brings the house down - Lincolnshire Live
***** Out of this world - Wrekin News
***** 10/10 - Dorset Echo

Reviews from 2017, 2018, 2019 tours

Written by Steven Knight | Director/ choreography Benoit Swan Pouffer  

...You young men of the Tunnelling brigade, you are all dead. Not counted among the dead because your bodies were not buried with the dead. But dead inside...

A new dance theatre event, firmly rooted in the world of Peaky Blinders, written by the creator of the global hit television series.

Dazzling, athletic dance and stunning dramatization, with an iconic eclectic Peaky soundtrack, and a live on-stage band.

Take a deep dive into the criminal underbelly of British society as Rambert bring Tommy, Arthur, Polly and the rest of the Shelby family gang to life on stage. 

“…an independent dance company, dedicated to bringing ballet to the people.” Tommy Shelby, S4 Ep5

Co-produced with The Lowry

Inspired by the television series Peaky Blinders created by Steven knight, and owned and produced by Caryn Mandabach productions

Age recommendation is 15. This show is based on the TV series and there will be some representation of violence, sex and drug use.