Over the past 20 years, Akram Khan Company became a platform for stories from another perspective, constantly reinventing itself and reflecting the world as it changes, from ancient myths to our current times.

Akram Khan shares his thoughts about a unique journey that has brought the Company to a new beginning: “These past 20 years have been of an epic undertaking with the Akram Khan Company producer Farooq Chaudhry and our incredible team. We chose to seek out artists from across the world and gather not just their remarkable expertise and talent, but their different insights into the fundamental questions of why we dance, and how can we bring stories that may have been forgotten, erased, or hiding in the shadows to the frontline of our rapidly changing global arena. The beguiling thing about this very moment, is that I feel the past 20 years have been about finding my voice. And now that that voice is more present in the global community, it feels so exciting to start using it and discover its range into the future - starting with Carnival of Shadows. A celebration of our work and vision at Sadler’s Wells, my dancing home for the last 15 years.”

The festival has been curated by Akram Khan with works that represent the cyclical nature of the Company’s journey. Carnival of Shadows opens with the UK premiere of its latest work that speaks on humanity’s relationship to the natural world, Outwitting the Devil. Khan’s final full-length solo XENOS, returns to reflect on the brutality of the First World War and to mirror our current tumultuous times. For this anniversary celebration, Until the Lions is presented at Sadler’s Wells for the first time. Khan performs in an exclusive three-show run to tell the mythical tale of revenge and justice through the lens of a female protagonist. Forming a classical evening of work are two pieces presented as part of Khan’s curation of Darbar Festival: We are but Shadows. The double-bill features Jwala a solo by Outwitting the Devil dancer Mythili Prakash and I am Ravana, choreographed by Akram Khan Company Creative Associate Mavin Khoo and performed by eight young dancers from Malaysia’s Temple of Fine Arts.

Photo: Nicol Vizioli

Outwitting the Devil Mon 28 - Wed 30 Sep		XENOS Sat 3 - Mon 5 Oct
Until the Lions Fri 9 - Sun 11 Oct >		We are but Shadows Tue 13 Oct