At the Docks
Meet the Dockers: Clive Lyttle
As part of our Meet the Dockers interview series, we spoke to Clive Lyttle, Artistic Director of Certain Blacks, about his mission to bring ‘art from the margins to the mainstream’, the growth of Ensemble Festival in the Royal Docks, and how free outdoor arts can transform public spaces and bring communities together.
What led you to create Certain Blacks, and how has it grown over the years?
I was inspired to start Certain Blacks after working at Arts Council England and seeing the need to support and develop artists from the Global Majority and different backgrounds. We did our first festival at the then Stratford Circus in 2015. Over the years things have evolved with more diverse artists and organisations coming on board.
Our second festival, Arts Ensemble featured Lady Vendri and a performance from artist Nwando Ebizi who has since been commissioned by Unlimited and performed at The South Bank Centre, demonstrating that journey from the margins to the mainstream.
For those who haven't experienced it before, what is Ensemble Festival and what makes it unique?
Ensemble Festival is one of the few outdoor festivals focused on developing new and diverse performance. Presented by Certain Blacks, it commissions outstanding work from artists and companies outside the mainstream. For Example, Tell Me from Sadiq Ali company was commissioned by Certain Blacks in partnership with Without Walls and this fantastic production will now be performed at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
A breathtaking high-wire performance will be among the highlights of Certain Blacks Ensemble Festival
Both Certain Blacks and Ensemble Festival have been based in the Royal Docks for several years. Why did you choose the Royal Docks?
I live in the Royal Docks and have a long connection with Newham. One of my first jobs in the arts was with the London Borough of Newham. Ensemble Festival began with support from the Royal Docks Team as part of the Join the Docks programme.
Our first festival included jazz from Cleveland Watkiss and Orphy Robinson, alongside circus and live art. The festival has taken place every year since, except during the Covid-19 pandemic when instead we worked with Newham Council to do Newham Unlocked, Dance like no one is Watching which was an online festival that helped keep artists and audiences connected.
As the area changes, what would you like to see more of?
I'd love to see more nightlife and places for the community to gather. More pubs, bars and venues that stay open later, with options to suit different budgets, would encourage people to spend more time locally, help build a stronger sense of community, and create a more vibrant atmosphere in the area.
Can you tell us a bit about this year’s programme?
Because we aim to develop new work rather than simply programming existing shows, a lot of the work Certain Blacks presents is commissioned and supported by the company – examples include Daughters of Wire, Torch and Stick and Stone.
This year's programme explores themes of identity, ritual, ecology and collective experience through an eclectic mix of artists. It's a pleasure to be able to present work from around the world. The festival is also presenting a programme of Catalan work, including performances by Nacho Flores (Domte), Teatro en Movimiento Callejerx (Water Silhouettes), and Cris Clown (UFA).
The Torch Production will bring energetic outdoor performance to the Royal Docks as part of Certain Blacks' Ensemble Festival.
What's the most memorable moment you've experienced at Ensemble Festival since it began?
Most of my career has been dedicated to developing art no matter where it comes from. One of the highlights has been presenting Gorilla Circus – Unity. This was a commission from us and it’s a largescale circus show with wire walking and hair hanging. Unity engaged a local poet to deliver insights into local areas and histories.
The performances take place outdoors and are free to attend. How does that change the relationship between artists and audiences?
Free outdoor arts can be truly democratic. Audiences can vote with their feet and leave the performance if they want. It’s different if you are in a theatre or cinema. You have paid for a ticket and there is social pressure not to walk out and leave a show even if you dislike it. Outside, you just walk away!
What do you hope audiences feel when they leave Ensemble Festival?
Fun! We hope to entertain, tell stories and encourage people to reflect on the world around them, but above all, festivals should be fun.
Find out more
Ensemble Festival
Ensemble Festival returns to the Royal Docks on 25 and 26 July, bringing a vibrant programme of free outdoor theatre, dance, circus, music and performance from artists across the UK and beyond. Find out more about the programme.
Make a weekend of it
Ensemble Festival forms part of a packed weekend across the Royal Docks, with T100 Triathlon and SwimSafe also taking place, making it the perfect opportunity to discover everything the area has to offer. Explore the full weekend line-up and plan your visit.
