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Photo of main character from Pluto interacting with a large puppet robot
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From Page to Stage: Pluto

We speak to Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui about the process of translating manga for the theatre, the impact of manga on the creative process and get an insight into rehearsals with the Bunkamura Theatre Cocoon.

Photo of Jean Michel Basquiat dancing in the Mudd Club
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Basquiat and Downtown

Tim Lawrence remembers the cultural renaissance that was downtown New York's music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. From SoHo warehouses to Mudd Clubb, we look at how Basquiat's passion for New York's music scene influenced his artistic style

Photo of pile of magazines from a zine making workshop at the Barbican
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Too Young For What?

We examine the past, present and future of Jean-Michel Basquiat's legacy after a day of events, installations and special performances celebrating Basquiat's creativity

Photo collage of Grace Jones and New York architecture
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The Grime and the Glamour

Christina Newland looks back the scuzzy and blisteringly creative streets of late 1970s and 80s New York City, as seen on the big screen. 

Photo of Trajal Harrell
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On Trajal Harrell

Discover more about Harrell’s work and inspirations from MoMA associate curator, Ana Javenski

Artwork from Into the Unknown
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Brave New Words

We look at how writers from the 19th century to today have been inspired by what we do not yet know or understand, inspired by the literature in 'Into The Unknown'.

a black and white photo of the barbican when it was first built
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35 Years of Firsts

Celebrating the Barbican’s 35th anniversary, we look back at some of the ‘firsts’ that have took place within our walls and beyond since we opened in 1982.