Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE was interviewed by JD Douglas for JDTV about her latest show Patois, which was performed at the National Theatre River Stage on London's South Bank as part of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival 2024.

As well as the London show, Patois toured to several locations during the festival with performances in Greenwich, Woolwich, Abbey Wood, and Stratford.

Jeanefer spoke to the channel about the inspiration behind the show.

This year's annual celebration of free outdoor dance on 7 September showcases a host of amazing outdoor spaces across Stratford.

With stunning staging and a huge variety of dance styles, this year’s Dancing City showcases some exceptional homegrown and international talent. 

Don't miss out on Patois at East Bank waterfront...

'a new show that takes a Caribbean dialect and explores hidden voices and stories from generations past. Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE created the dance theatre work to celebrate her St Lucian heritage – coinciding with St Lucia’s first Olympic gold medal!' - Neandra Etienne, Newham Voices

Photo: Claire Leach

*Photo credit: Claire Leach

Fred Waine from Unhinged Music joined Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE for her performance of Patois at Brighton Festival in May 2024.

He wrote:

"Along with a sizeable audience seated on the floor and benches on Brighton’s pedestrian boardwalk, opposite the Victorian-era Metropole Hotel, I find myself before a low stage, adorned only with a pair of flags and several stacks of tartan suitcases, all coloured in vivid blue, yellow and black. The sense of removal to an exotic destination is therefore present even before the five-strong dance troupe emerge through the crowd, announcing that ‘we’re off to Saint Lucia’, the eastern Caribbean island whose national colours are represented onstage. The dancers’ cheery, childlike tone, exaggerated movement and breaking of the fourth wall contrast the serious, academic tenor that the piece’s title and description might have suggested (and delight the numerous families in the audience).

Read the full review here.

*Photo credit: Claire Leach

On Saturday 13 July, two of Jeanefer's shows will appear in an exciting outdoor double bill at London's South Bank. First off is Black Victorians from 2.15pm - 2.45pm followed by Jeanefer's new show Patois, from 5.45pm - 6.15pm.

It’s on at the National Theatre’s River Stage as part of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival 2024.

"Jeanefer's Black Victorians delves into the hidden history of black people in Victorian England, earning widespread acclaim for its compelling portrayal of this overlooked narrative. With Patois, Jeanefer Jean-Charles promises another immersive experience that challenges audiences to reflect on the significance of linguistic diversity in our world today" - Ralph Kennedy, Without Walls

For more information, visit River Stage 2024.

Location

National Theatre

South Bank, London SE1 9PX

Get directions

Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE (Eurovision 2023, London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant) has been appointed Visiting Professor at Middlesex University in the faculty of arts and creative industries. 

To kick-start her relationship with Middlesex University, Jeanefer rehearsed her new show Patois at the University’s studios with support from Middlesex University's Senior Lecturer in Dance and Professional Practice, Dr Helen Kindred.

Patois - which celebrates St. Lucian Patois - a language Jeanefer grew up with, understands, but rarely speaks, has already delighted audiences in their hundreds at Norfolk & Norwich Festival where the show premiered, and at the Brighton Festival last month (May 2024).

Blending captivating traditional Caribbean choreography with exhilarating contemporary dance and an original music score with a Caribbean flavour, Patois reawakens cultures, stories and generations of the past.

To find out more, visit the Patois show page.

As a globally respected Creative Director and Producer with a passion for nurturing and developing creative talent, Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE has trained and mentored teachers, artists and producers for over 20 years.

Find out more about Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE