November 19, Akram Khan Company
The Akram Khan Company, founded in 2000, is the brainchild of its namesake choreographer and dancer. Since taking his works to a larger stage and bringing a new troupe of dancers under his wing, the accolades and rave reviews have poured in for the London-born Bangladeshi performer.
Khan is known for how he pushes at the boundaries of traditional Indian dance and this performance is no exception. Kaash, which Khan originally staged in 2002, revisits the choreographer’s first full-length routine with five dancers performing Kathak-styled dance, one of the first types of classical Indian dance that the Akram learned.
The soundtrack will be provided by composer Nitin Sawhney, whose works feature elements of jazz and electronica. His previous collaborations include pairing up with the likes of Sting, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Jeff Beck and Paul McCartney among others. The show’s set is a backdrop created by the acclaimed sculptor Anish Kapoor.
Khan’s company is the perfect starting point for those who’ve never watched Indian dance. Worth a mention: The show will not feature an intermission but, rather, will be performed as one, elongated piece. $13.50-$51, 8 p.m. Thursday, November 19; Mondavi Center, One Shields Avenue in Davis; www.akramkhancompany.net.
(SN&R)