The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady – review

Brace yourselves for this one, because you’re not just watching a show; you’re stepping directly into the swirling, intoxicating world of Charles Mingus‘s The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady. This isn’t theatre as you know it; it’s an experience that will blur the lines between spectator and participant, leaving you breathless and slightly disoriented in the best possible way.

From the moment you enter the space, you’re enveloped in a palpable energy. Performers weave through the crowd, their movements hinting at the rhythmic undercurrent that defines Mingus‘s masterpiece. At certain moments, the collective energy intensifies, and you find yourself, if you’re willing, caught in the midst of what feels like cult-like dancing. Bodies sway around you, a shared pulse connects the room, and you can’t help but feel drawn into the ecstatic, almost trance-like state.

Then, the atmosphere shifts, and the space transforms. Shadows lengthen, the lighting dims, and the performers move with a slow, deliberate grace, their expressions conveying a profound, almost melancholy, haunting ritual. They danced like zombies in the most captivating sense, their movements deliberate and hypnotic, drawing you deeper into the emotional core of the music.

And what exquisite  music permeates every corner courtesy of Charles Mingus. It’s not just played; it lives and breathes in the space. The sounds swell and recede, guiding your journey and shaping your emotions. You might find yourself in a room where a lone saxophone wails with bluesy intensity, or suddenly surrounded by a cacophony of instruments that mirrors the chaotic brilliance of Mingus’s compositions.

This immersive experience isn’t about sitting passively in the dark. It’s about surrendering to the sensory overload, about allowing the music and the movement to wash over you. It’s a bold and daring attempt to embody the spirit of Mingus‘s groundbreaking work, and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve not just seen a show, but lived a vibrant, slightly unhinged dream. Be prepared to lose yourself in the music and the moment – you are now part of The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady.

Need to Know: The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady played at the Barbian Centre from 16-19 Apr 2025 | Find out more