blackmilk:trompoppies is the first part of a trilogy titled trompoppies. Trompoppies is Afrikaans and describes drum majorettes performing a formation dance in uniform. blackmilk examines one of the choreographic elements of these dances: the precise hand gestures. By merging trompoppies movements with the melodramatic gestures of divas and the gestures associated with black male rap stars, the choreography investigates the distance between African and African American male identity. blackmilk invites a performative dimension into cultural representation of black masculinity and opens it up to a different complexity and sensitivity, which the artist describes as black male melancholia.

The piece lasts about 45 minutes and uses little spoken English. However, it is comprehensible without any knowledge of English. The performance uses strong light effects including stroboscope, a smoke machine and loud music. Hearing protection is provided at the entrance. The lighting effects are less intense at the side seats of the grandstand. The audience area on the grandstand is seated. There are two wheelchair spaces and one beanbag seat that can be reserved by phone or booked via the online ticket shop or at the box office, if available. Admission begins 20-30 minutes prior to show time. We recommend arriving early to select a suitable seat. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Gina Jeske at jeske@sophiensaele.com or 030 27 89 00 35.

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