Ivan Michael Blackstock’s TRAPLORD to play Sadler’s Wells East in 2025

Olivier Award-winning choreographer and cultural innovator Ivan Michael Blackstock is set to bring his electrifying dance-theatre production, TRAPLORD, to Sadler’s Wells East from 28–31 May 2025. The critically acclaimed work, which explores themes of mental health, masculinity, and self-actualisation, will be part of the venue’s opening season.

Blending dance, theatre, and spoken word, TRAPLORD confronts the stereotyping of Black men in contemporary society, navigating a journey between dream and reality. Originally premiering in London, the production has since captivated audiences at 180 Studios, Factory International in Manchester, and internationally at festivals in Hamburg and Amsterdam. It won the 2023 Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production and played to sold-out audiences during its previous runs.

Born in South London, Blackstock is a leading figure in the dance world, known for his politically charged and thought-provoking works. A co-founder of BirdGang Dance Company, he has received numerous accolades, including the Breakthrough Cultural Excellence in Film and Video award (Nowness Awards 2019) and a spot on the Dazed 100 list in 2021.

Reflecting on TRAPLORD’s return to London, Blackstock said, “As we approach the 10-year anniversary of TRAPLORD, I’m filled with gratitude to bring it back home to East London, the very place where it was born. What started as a raw and honest reflection of lived experience has grown into something that continues to speak to the times we’re in. Nearly a decade later, this story still resonates deeply.”

Directed and choreographed by Blackstock, TRAPLORD features a dynamic ensemble including BRNSRGHT, DOMINANT, Kanah Flex, Wild G, Kyron Nykro Jake, Magero, Ophelia Nunes-Wickham, and Chaldon Williams, who also serves as associate choreographer. The creative team includes designers Chloe Lamford and Shankho Chaudhuri, lighting designer Simisola Majekodunmi, sound designer Luke Swaffield (Autograph), music supervisor Torben Sylvest and video designer Ian William Galloway.

Sadler’s Wells East, opening in February 2025 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will be a major new cultural hub, forming part of East Bank alongside BBC Music Studios, London College of Fashion, V&A East, and University College London (UCL East). The venue will offer 20,000 tickets for £25 or less across its programming, with £10 tickets available for 16–30-year-olds through the Barclays Dance Pass.

Tickets for TRAPLORD start at £15 and can be booked via the Sadler’s Wells website.

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Main photo: Traplord - photo Camilla Greenwell