The Night Woman

A compelling new play about the power of Black womanhood, darkness and the redemptive power of self-love, told through captivating fusion of dance, singing and music.

Inspired by the true story of Robinson’s grandmother who was shunned and ostracised to the dark corners of post colonial Jamaica due to her African spiritual beliefs, The Night Woman acts as a reminder that even though misery and suffering exist in the darkness, it’s also where love is made and resistance is formed.

Skilfully portraying three different women who’ve found strength in unexpected places, Robinson guides the audience on an exhilarating journey transitioning through time and generations ending in our present day, with Jamaican folk songs and Afro-Caribbean movement taking centre stage.

Julene Robinson (The Witcher, Get up, Stand Up!) is an award-winning writer and performer. The Night Woman was developed as part of the Barbican Open Lab programme.

Running time: 70 minutes, no interval

Age guidance: 16+ (contains haze, references to sex and violence and themes of death and grief).

To find out more about the themes explored in this production visit the Content Advice and Resources page.

BSL-interpreted performance
Sat 21 Oct, 2.30pm
BSL-interpreted by Nikki Champagnie Harris.

Post-show talk (BSL-interpreted)
Sat 21 Oct, 3.45pm
Facilitated by Mireille C. Harper. BSL-interpreted by Lorna Patterson.

Find out more about Accessible Events at the Barbican.

Image credit: Chadley Larnelle

Presented by the Barbican

Supported by the The Romilly Walton Masters Award