Together with

Continuing our series highlighting some of the stunning work in the inaugural season at Sadler’s Wells East, we caught up with Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre, Marcus Jarrell Willis, about Inside Giovanni’s Room.

Published and set in the 1950s, James Baldwin’s groundbreaking novel Giovanni’s Room tackles themes of love, sexuality, guilt and self-acceptance. It is brought to life in this dance interpretation set around a central cube, which runs from today until Sat 14th Jun, with tickets from just £15.

What have been the challenges and joys of bringing Giovanni's Room to the stage through dance?

The joy of this experience has been using the power of dance, to tell a timeless story. Because dance is universal, it has been incredibly exhilarating to connect with audiences through a story that is still relevant and depicts the human experience.

The challenge was to remain true to the novel itself. But that challenge was actually motivating. It offered me, the creative team, and the dancers the chance to strip back and approach the work in the most honest way, allowing artistic flow to run its course.

How does the set design help to tell the story?

Giovanni’s Room sits in the form of a cube shape in the centre of the stage – and it never moves. I wanted to bring an understanding that this novel, and our discoveries whilst unpacking it, made it clear that the room is not just a physical space. It is a mindset, a constant throughout the work which stays with David in both the physical context, emotional and mental state, and lives with him from the very first moment he steps inside it with Giovanni.

Why and how is this story from the 1950s still relevant today, and how do you hope to address today's social structures in the show? 

While creating Inside Giovanni’s Room, I didn’t find it necessary to focus on today’s social structures because the story does that for us, proving its relevance with scenarios and themes that are still present today. So, my tools were right in front of me, through Baldwin’s writing. I also didn’t need to bring it forward to the present day because we are still living through and seeing the same things occurring in today’s society.

The novel focuses on a love triangle and within that there is a priority placed on the conversation around sexuality. However, what was most important to me was the opportunity to unpack the overarching theme – acceptance of oneself.

What does Phoenix Dance Theatre particularly bring to the piece?

As Artistic Director, my mission continues to focus on bringing together a company of dancers that reflects the world we live in. People first, and then beautiful dance artists, who come from different backgrounds. People who are uniquely and unapologetically themselves.

I think that Phoenix Dance Theatre, in this iteration of the company, is exactly the group of dance artists I wanted to bring this production forward. I believe the novel, while written from one character’s perspective, displays the diversity of a group of human beings who are all on the journey towards understanding themselves through their encounters.

What are you looking forward to about coming to Sadler's Wells East?

I’m excited that Phoenix Dance Theatre has the opportunity to be one of the first companies in the lineup of the inaugural season of Sadler’s Wells East. What the venue is doing - creating an environment for artists to have space to explore and to forge a path for their artistic progression - is a beautiful thing. It aligns with my vision for our company, and I’m excited to ignite this relationship with the organisation and venue.

Inside Giovanni’s Room is at Sadler’s Wells East from tonight to Sat 14th June. 

The Cultural Interest Group meets this Friday - everyone welcome

🖼️ Felstead Art’s new exhibition Wicked Changes V, is the latest in their ongoing series exploring how artists respond to current urban and social challenges, with a particular focus on Hackney Wick. This exhibition presents a select group of artists from the East London Art Society and forms part of this year’s London Festival of Architecture. It’s on at The Trampery Fish Island Village with a PV this Fri 13th June and then runs to 2nd Aug.

📸 Hackney Wick Folk is a new photographic exhibition currently showing at Trowbridge Gardens, until 15th Jun. The portraits, taken by Brian Whar, capture some of the brilliant people who’ve been part of Wick Awards decade of work in the local community – especially the regulars at the weekly community lunches.

💘 The summer show at Stratford East is a new musical comedy inspired by true events. Lovestruck tackles themes of online dating, toxic social media and crippling self doubt, as it charts the hilarious, humiliating and all too relatable quest for our happy ever after. Runs to Sat 12th Jul.

📚 The Library of Things We Forgot to Remember is an archive of materials including vinyl, posters, paintings and more, drawn from private African collections. Artist Kudzanai Chiurai invites a different librarian to interrogate the archive for each show, the latest being shaped for the UCL Urban Room by guest librarian Dr Kara Blackmore. Runs to 16th Aug.

🧢 On Sat 14th Jun, men’s fashion label Hafez Attire will be showing their collection of designer track suits, gilets, tees and caps to purchase, with some special discounts and games for the chance to win prizes. It’s happening at Indra Gallery all afternoon.

Then on Sun 15th Jun there’s a free exhibition by female empowerment organisation Femake at Indra, with ethnic minority artists, designers and entrepreneurs including ouds and perfumes, Abayahs and other cultural clothing, jewellery, fashion accessories, art, interior design, natural beauty and grooming products and loads more.

🎤 It’s the second weekend of Lido festival in Victoria Park all this weekend, with Manchester-born hardcore and punk fest Outbreak bringing a UK exclusive appearance from Turnstile this Fri 13th Jun, all-conquering Brat icon Charli xcx (pictured) on Sat 14th and rounding things off with London Grammar topping another epic bill for Sun 15th.

Locals also get to enjoy the the free weekday festival In The Neighbourhood on the same site today and tomorrow Wed 11th & Thurs 12th Jun, offering live music and DJs, fitness sessions, family theatre, street food and bars to enjoy.

🪩 Keep the party going into the night as GAG presents the official Lido afterparty with Finn Keane, Kelly Lee Owens, Lexii, Alex Chapman and Zoe Glitter already announced, and more special guests to come at Colour Factory on Sat 14th Jun.

🎷 The latest monthly MOOD Jam is back at LVLS on Tues 17th Jun, creating a safe space for musicians in London to grow and express themselves in a carefully curated sonic environment.

🍊 From this Fri 13th - 29th Jun, quintessentially summertime drinks brand Aperol Spritz are brining Aperidisco to the outdoor terrace at Hackney Bridge. Expect DJ takeovers and mixing masterclasses, customised merch, BBQ Sundays and supper clubs with chef Robin Gill. Friday’s launch with Salute is already sold out, so keep an eye out for next announcements.

🟨 The Lord Napier’s famous themed pub quiz returns tomorrow, Thurs 12th Jun, with a quiz dedicated to The Simpsons. There’s a chance to win a £50 bar tab via your knowledge of Homer, Bart, Marge, Maggie, Lisa and the rest.

🍵 Celebrate the summer solstice with Hackney Herbal who have a solstice open evening on Thurs 19th Jun where you’ll find a free herbal tea-blending workshop, plants for sale and a collective solstice ritual at 7.30pm.

🥻 Applications are open for the second cohort of The Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield. The Mayor of London, Projekt, Paul Smith’s Foundation and British GQ are behind the scheme to offer six successful creatives access to a free studio space for 18 months and over 60 hours of personal and business skills mentoring. Apply by 20th Jul.

📊 The Tower Hamlets Council Business Rates Team will deliver a free one hour workshop, open to all Tower Hamlets based businesses to better understand the Business Rates environment, covering topics like reliefs and reductions available, revaluations and what to do if you're struggling to pay, on Mon 23rd Jun at the Town Hall.

🎓 The Inspiring Success Scholarship at Loughborough University London covers 100% of tuition fees on a masters programme, including career guidance and support, to unemployed or under-employed graduates from East London at their London campus at Here East. Residents of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, or Waltham Forest who are willing to actively contribute to the local community are invited to apply for the programme by 31st July.

🌍 Apply now for the QEOP-based British Council’s Connections Through Culture (CTC) Grants 2025, which support artistic collaboration between the UK and select countries in Asia, Europe and Australasia’. Grants of up to £5k or £10k depending on region will be awarded across a wide range of creative disciplines from architecture to theatre. Deadline 23rd June.

🤝 There’s an opportunity to join local charity Foundation for Future London as their new Corporate Partnerships Manager, helping in their ongoing mission to connect communities, creativity and regeneration in East London and beyond. They're looking for a brilliant relationship builder to launch and lead their new corporate partnerships programme, focusing on exciting sectors including property, regeneration and culture. Apply by Mon 16th June.