1.5 hours
New Art Exchange
Free Tickets Available
Fri, 16 Jan, 2026 at 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm (GMT+00:00)
New Art Exchange
39-41 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, United Kingdom
The Ruin is a new performance by British artist , commissioned and first presented by . This piece combines spoken word and live percussion by James Larter and horn by Isaac Shieh to explore themes of British identity, masculinity and class.
Drawing from his upbringing in Huddersfield as the son of West Indian parents, Barclay reflects on the industrial landscape of northern England in the 1980s and 90s, using rhythm and melody to evoke a rich and layered soundscape.
Presented against the backdrop of Barclays’ exhibition, the performance engages with this distinctive environment, where spoken word, sound, and sculpture intersect. The performance also draws inspiration from early modern music, industrial sounds, and pop cultural references, blending them into a theatrical meditation on self-image, memory, and the evolving myth of Britain.
With RIA’s support, Barclay developed The Ruin over a year-long R&D period that included close engagement with the theatre, costume, and performance teams.
FREE 16+
Also check out other Arts events in Nottingham, Workshops in Nottingham.
Tickets for The Ruin can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| The Ruin | Free |
