London – Choreographer Akeim Toussaint Buck‘s free, currently showing at Sadler’s Wells East, is a vibrant adn immersive dance performance steeped in reggae, dub, and jazz, offering audiences a joyful celebration of Black cultural expression. The production, featuring buck’s own music performed with his band, the Magnificence, runs until november 8th in London before moving to Bradford Arts Center on November 21st.
Free distinguishes itself through its unique fusion of dance and live music, with Buck composing and performing the show’s soundtrack. The performance’s rhythmic foundation-a prominent bassline delivered with deliberate distortion-is designed to resonate physically with the audience, encouraging a visceral connection to the music and movement. While the production largely maintains a warm and communal atmosphere, it briefly incorporates a poignant moment of protest, with one dancer calling for “freedom for the world and for Palestine,” a reference to ongoing demonstrations regarding sadler’s Wells’ sponsorship from Barclays.
The choreography emphasizes relaxed, earthy movements, allowing the dancers to explore both synchronized routines and individual expression.Critics note the potential for deeper thematic exploration within the work,despite its overall enjoyable and celebratory nature.
