A graphic featuring the text "Nine Sixteenths" on a textured background with subtle gradients in blue and grey.

Nine Sixteenths
Tickets From £16.40

Venue

Brixton House

Journey through ’00s nostalgia through the media storm of Janet Jackson‘s 2004 SuperBowl halftime show.

In 2004, in the SuperBowl halftime show finale, 23-year-old Justin Timberlake ripped off 37-year-old Janet Jackson’s top. Her breast was exposed on screen for nine sixteenths of a second. A pop icon and role model for many Black women, and an outspoken ally for the LGBTQ community, the moment derailed Jackson’s career for many years, while Timberlake’s thrived.

But who was invested in the backlash? What does all this have to say about the demographics of who controls the media, and the ways in which Black women are scrutinised in the public eye?

From the malfunction to the aftermath and a celebration of reclamation, Nine Sixteenths invites you on a journey through 3 acts, exploring themes of representation and pop culture with a nostalgia for the early ’00s, along with the hopes and dreams of 4 Black female performers, all through a visual variety of devised theatre, dance and lip sync.

Developed with Complicité. Co-commissioned by Cambridge Junction with the support of Stobbs New Ideas Fund and Pleasance.

Devised by Paula Varjack, Pauline Mayers, Julienne Doko, Chia Phoenix and Endy McKay.

Please note, this show has integrated BSL as part of the production.

Closing

30/05/2026

Running Time

1h20

Genre

Drama, Plays

Age & Content

12+

Book Nine Sixteenths Tickets

To book access tickets:

Sign Language Interpreted

British Sign Language

Sign Language Interpretation provided by Jacqui Beckford

30 May 2026

7:30pm

Frequently asked questions

Nine Sixteenths is playing at Brixton House in London. Your ticket selection will show available performance dates and times, and you can book securely online via Official London Theatre. For the smoothest experience, pick a performance from the calendar and book early for popular dates.
Journey through ’00s nostalgia through the media storm of Janet Jackson‘s 2004 SuperBowl halftime show. In 2004, in the SuperBowl halftime show finale, 23-year-old Justin Timberlake ripped off 37-year-old Janet Jackson’s top. Her breast was exposed on screen for nine sixteenths of a second. A pop icon and role model for many Black women, and […]
The running time for Nine Sixteenths is 1h20. Duration can occasionally vary slightly by performance, but this is the listed length for the production.
Nine Sixteenths is recommended for ages 12+. If you’re bringing younger theatregoers, it’s worth considering themes and attention span alongside the age guidance. Some venues also have their own admission policies, so it can help to double-check requirements before you travel.
Nine Sixteenths opens on 19th May 2026 and is currently scheduled to run until 30th May 2026. If you’re planning a trip or booking for a specific week, check the performance calendar for dates and availability, as popular performances can sell faster closer to the run.
Tickets for Nine Sixteenths go on sale from 21st January 2026. If you’re looking for the widest choice of seats and dates, booking early is usually best - especially for weekends and peak travel periods. Once on sale, you can select a performance and complete your booking online.
You can buy tickets for Nine Sixteenths online through Official London Theatre. Choose your preferred performance in the calendar, select seats if available, and complete your purchase securely.
There isn’t a strict dress code for London theatre, so wear whatever you’ll feel comfortable and confident in. Most people go for smart casual - think jeans or trousers with a nice top, a casual dress, or a shirt and trainers. If you’re heading to an evening show, on a date, or celebrating something, you might fancy dressing up a bit more, but it’s completely optional.
Arriving at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time helps keep things smooth and stress-free, giving you plenty of time to collect tickets, go through security, and get settled in your seat before the performance begins.
Book Tickets from £16.40