Reggae Dub culture and contemporary dance meet in celebration of freedom and revolution.
In a world confined by borders, flags and occupied lands, Free asks the vital questions: Who dares to dream? Who dares to break the cycles of oppression? Who dares to be joyful in the darkest hour?
The immersive performance combines the worlds of Reggae Dub Culture and Contemporary Dance to create an unforgettable experience celebrating Reggae’s global impact and its role in igniting revolutions worldwide since the 1960s.
Audiences will be taken on a journey as performers sing ‘take me to a place where I am free, leave the people dem so they can see’ and dance to Nyabinghi rhythms that vibrate through bodies, skanking to the pulse of the one drop.
Free is part of ARC’s Make New Work programme and is a co-commission with Sadler’s Wells and Transform Festival. The work was selected for ARC by a community panel made up of local community leaders and charity workers, demonstrating the venue’s commitment to programming that which truly reflects the interests and needs of the local community.
Free features original music written and performed by Buck and The Magnificence in the authentic Reggae Dub style, woven together through the distinctive storytelling approach of Toussaint To Move’s choreographic work.
Alexander Ferris, Chief Executive & Creative Director at ARC, said: “We are thrilled to bring Free to Stockton as part of our commitment to presenting work that challenges, inspires and brings communities together.
“This performance speaks to universal themes of liberation and joy that will resonate deeply with our audiences and it’s particularly exciting to see work that has been made here at ARC going out to inspire audiences across the country” added Alexander.
Free launches its UK tour from ARC Stockton Arts Centre on Fri 5 Sep 2025. The performance is presented on a Pay What You Decide basis, meaning audiences do not have to pay until after they have seen the show and can decide what they feel it was worth.