“Nine Sixteenths” to Run at Brixton House Following UK Tour
A multimedia theatre production inspired by the career of Janet Jackson will run at Brixton House from 19 to 30 May, following an extensive UK tour.
Created by Paula Varjack and directed by Emily Aboud, Nine Sixteenths examines the rise, fall and resurgence of Jackson’s career, using it as a framework to explore themes of media representation and the treatment of Black women in the public sphere.
The title references the widely reported moment during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, when Justin Timberlakeexposed Jackson’s breast on live television for a fraction of a second, triggering significant media backlash and long-term professional consequences for the artist.
Blending theatre, dance, lip sync and video, the production situates Jackson’s story within a broader cultural context, incorporating elements of 1990s and early 2000s pop culture. The work is performed by a cast of four Black women over the age of 40, including Varjack alongside Pauline Mayers, Julienne Doko and Chia Phoenix.
The show has toured multiple UK cities prior to its London run, including Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and Nottingham. It is presented with integrated British Sign Language interpretation throughout all performances.
Nine Sixteenths runs for approximately 80 minutes and is recommended for audiences aged 14 and above. Performances take place at 7:30pm, with additional matinees on selected dates. Tickets start from £18 and are available via the venue’s website.
