Akram Khan - Xenos

Mesmerising, powerful and thought provoking contemporary dance. 

We arrived at the theatre open minded for this performance having seen some of Akram Khans work before but knowing contemporary dance can always be a surprise. 

Walking into the auditorium we were met with the sound of a tabla drum and vocalist which created a cultural atmosphere, we were instantly mesmerised. The simple yet stunning set with a triangle of festoon lights, wooden swing, 5 chairs and a sloping stage with tangled ropes adds to the intrigue. 

Akram makes his entrance and the dancing begins, but this production is so much more than a contemporary dance piece. It is a wonderful collaboration between set design by Morelia Weingarten, musicians; Nina Harries, B C Manjunath, Tamar Osborn, Aditya Prakash and Fra Rustumji and stunning technical direction from Richard Fagan. The array of different sounds adds to the dramatic intensity and leaves the audience on the edge of their seat. It is truly a show for the senses. 

Xenos was commissioned for the First World War centenary, Akram Khan draws on the experience of a shell shocked colonial soldier in the First World War. This is abstracted by his use of opposition which creates a surreal dream-like experience with many unexpected moments. The set disappearing behind the sloped stage signaling the ground being swallowed was just one of many moments which took the audience by surprise. 

Xenos is Akram Khans last performance as a dancer in a full-length piece, an opportunity not to be missed.