Sadler’s Wells’ Digital Stage and Breakin’ Convention have produced Our Bodies Back, a new dance film that speaks out against anti-Black racism and honours the lived experiences of Black women past and present.

Part of the Sadler’s Wells’ Digital Stage programme, the commission made in collaboration with Jonzi D Projects and BCTV, stages the poem We Want Our Bodies Back, the work of American poet and performance artist jessica Care moore.  The film is directed by Breakin’ Convention Artistic Director and Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Jonzi D.

Created during lockdown and filmed remotely, Our Bodies Back is choreographed and performed by Axelle ‘Ebony’ Munezero in Montréal, Canada; Bolegue Manuela (b-girl Manuela) in Hanover, Germany; and Nafisah Baba in London. Soundscape design is by Saxophonist and MC Soweto Kinch, with narration by Jessica Care moore.

“This poem is a demand,” says director Jonzi D. “For justice, for equality, for respect, for Our Bodies Back. The whole team was so moved by jessica’s incisive lyrics and intense delivery, we had the perfect blueprint for this film. The dancers responded with honesty, grace and power.” 

Our Bodies Back will be available globally to watch on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage, via Sadler’s Wells YouTube channel from 11am BST August 19 2020.