Akram Khan Company have just announced Akram’s 'most anticipated new solo', XENOS, which will mark his final performances as a dancer in a full-length piece.
In this brand-new work commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, Akram explores the myth of Prometheus – the Titan who stole fire and gave it to mankind – through the experience of an Indian colonial soldier in the First World War.
Was Prometheus’ gift the blessing or the curse of mankind? By revisiting the classical Greek myth in the context of the most violent century in human history, XENOS reveals the beauty and horror of the human condition.
XENOS, meaning ‘stranger’ or ‘foreigner’, seeks to express tales of loss, hope and redemption, through a movement language that shifts between classical kathak and contemporary dance.
Akram has brought together a stellar creative team. Along with dramaturg Ruth Little and acclaimed Canadian playwright Jordan Tannahill, he teams up with German designer Mirella Weingarten, award-winning lighting designer Michael Hulls, costume designer Kimie Nakano, and composer Vincenzo Lamagna.
Akram will be joined onstage by five international musicians: percussionist B C Manjunath, vocalist Aditya Prakash, bass player Nina Harries, violinist Andrew Maddick, and saxophonist Tamar Osborn.
The production will premiere on 21 February 2018 at Onassis Cultural Centre – Athens, and will have its UK première at Sadler’s Wells, London from 29 May – 9 June, as part of their Spring 2018 Season. London tickets go on sale on Monday 6 November at 10am. More international tour dates will be announced later.
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| Photos by Nicol Vizioli |