“impulse” is presented in partnership with GREAT, and promises six months of visceral experiences and moments that will live long in the memory.
Addressing the media Mr.Paul Sellers, Director, South India, British Council ,said ”British Council believes in supporting artists worldwide to develop cultural relationships with UK practitioners, and to form complex and nuanced relationships between Indian and British culture. On 2nd September “impulse” dance season will be launched with Akram Khan’s performance in Chennai followed by Bangalore and Hyderabad”
Akram Khan is celebrated for the vitality and innovation he brings to cross-cultural, cross-disciplinary expression. A master of kathak (classical Indian dance) and an award-winning choreographer of contemporary dance, Khan is continuously breaking boundaries between tradition and innovation.
After starring in the opening ceremony of London 2012, Akram Khan tours six Indian cities this September as part of the Park’s New Festival and as the opening showcase of impulse. Akram Khan Dance Company is unquestionably one of the greatest of UK contemporary dance companies: the astonishingly beautiful performance Gnosis is inspired by the Mahabharata, in particular the story of Gandhari, wife of the blind king who blindfolds herself for life to share his journey.
The performance sees Akram accompanied on stage by an ensemble of exceptional musicians from around the world, and acclaimed guest artist Fang-Yi Sheu from Taiwan.Akram Khan and producer Farooq Chaudhry will also conduct talks around the country on choreographic processes and the business of dance, for choreographers, dancers, creative entrepreneurs and general audiences.
Akram Khan Dance Company is brought to you by British Council in partnership with GREAT and Prakriti Foundation.
Speaking on the occasion Akram Khan said”
September:
AKDC India tour – featuring GNOSIS – a contemporary duet. Gnosis is a recent creation by Akram Khan in which he combines his classical Indian and contemporary dance roots. Pursuing the idea of the 'knowledge within', it is an exploration of the inner and outer battles of characters, the human and the godly. Drawing from sources both ancient and modern, Gnosis is also inspired by the Hindu epic Mahabharata, in particular the story of Gandhari, the wife of the blind king who blindfolds herself for life to share his journey. It explores the notion of inner knowledge and clouded vision, seeing darkness and yet being blind to light. Khan is accompanied on stage by an ensemble of exceptional musicians from around the world and acclaimed guest artist Fang-Yi Sheu from Taiwan.
The company will tour 6 Indian cities as part of the Park’s Prakriti New Festival. Along with the performances, Farooq Chaudhry (Producer) and Akram Khan will conduct talk sessions in all cities.
Dates: 1st – 17th September 2012
Cities: Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi
www.akramkhancompany.net
October
Scottish Dance Theatre – SDT is Scotland’s national contemporary dance company. SDT tours India this October with 3 of the acclaimed choreographies – Luxuria by Liv Lorent, Dog by Russell Maliphant and Drift by James Wilton. The company will tour in 4 Indian cities and the tour will encompass performances, professional workshops for dance organisations, workshops with school children and networking.
Dates: 18th October – 3rd November 2012
Cities: Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Delhi
www.scottishdancetheatre.com
November
Aakash Odedra is a UK based, Leicester born contemporary dancer who has worked with Akram Khan Dance Company and is one of the upcoming young contemporary dancers in the UK dance scene. He is perhaps one of the few dancers of his age to have been choreographed by 3 of the best contemporary choreographers of our times – Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi and Russell Maliphant. He comes to India again to perform as part of Gati’s IGNITE, residencies with Nritarutya, Bangalore and Sumeet Nagdev Dance Arts, Mumbai. Aakash will perform his critically acclaimed RISING. Aakash performs solos choreographed by Akram, Sidi, Russell and himself.
Dates: 1st – 17th November 2012
Cities: Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkata
www.aakashodedra.com
