Over 60 years on from the beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement and centuries on from the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the West is at a point of self reflection and historical learning. Multiple factions of society in their own ways advocating for equal rights and a more hopeful tomorrow. One area of popular culture that has been an integral instrument for advocacy has been music, the musical genres of jazz, disco, soul and pop all areas that have given way to iconic musical moments and stars. Celebrating the contributions of Black artists in line with Black History Month, Aures London presents LexTempus VLT-001 ‘The Greats’.
Channeling the heart and soul of some of popular culture’s much loved and well known classics, LexTempus concerns itself with immersing all into a retrospective look at the latter half of the 20th century. From 50s & 60s Chicago, to 60s & 70s New York to 70s & 80s San Francisco, we watch and listen to the gradual transition of genres whilst surrounded by captivating visuals that take us to the very crux of America’s pivotal historical Black musical moments, a collective of stars acknowledged for their iconic contributions – Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Temptations, Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Chic, Sister Sledge, Donna Summer, Diana Ross without fail getting us all to dance along in our seats.
Paired up with 3 cocktails that align with each particular era, and accompanied by entertaining dance segments performed by a trio of dancers we’re further immersed into both the political and societal realities of these eras as well as the liberational energy of the music created alongside these events. The evening itself dipping in energy midway through, but picking up towards the end, we’re all invited to take to the dance floor and soak in the atmosphere. The immersive set up lends itself more to being a background feature however, with the audience able to dance when they wish and soak in what’s happening at their own pace. LexTempus VLT-001 ‘The Greats’ during tough times encouraging connection and the chance to party – a thoughtful yet feel good evening!
Written by Lucy Basaba.
LexTempus VLT-001 ‘The Greats’ is currently showing until Sunday 13th November 2022 at Aures London. To find out more about the production, visit here…
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