Akram Khan Company Jungle Book reimagined
Play TrailerA magical dance-theatre retelling of Kipling’s classic set against the backdrop of the climate crisis.
In a near future world, a family is torn apart as they escape their homeland ravaged by the impact of climate change. Arriving alone in a deserted modern city, and with wild animals claiming the streets as their own, the child soon discovers unlikely allies in this strange new jungle.
In Akram Khan’s new dance-theatre production based on the original story of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved family classic, Akram and his team reinvent the journey of Mowgli through the eyes of a climate refugee.
Featuring an original score, ten international dancers and state-of-the-art animation and visuals, Jungle Book reimagined is a beautifully compelling and vital piece of storytelling about our intrinsic need to belong and bond with others, and placing the importance of connecting with and respecting our natural world at its heart.
Jungle Book reimagined brings together a stellar creative team, with script by Tariq Jordan, dramaturgy by Sharon Clark, an original score by Jocelyn Pook, sound design comes from Gareth Fry and lighting by Michael Hulls. Transforming the stage into a magical world, diving into the myths of today, is Miriam Buether with visual stage design, whilst video design and animation comes from YeastCulture.
Read the Synopsis & Freesheet.
[Image description] Bathed in lush green light, six dancers arch backwards, legs in a wide stride, bare muscular arms raised overhead and fists clenched. They wear orange sleeveless tops in the style of life jackets and softly draped leggings.
Header image © Ambra Vernuccio
Relaxed Performances
A Relaxed Performance is a less formal theatre experience for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a show. They support noise and movement within the auditorium during a show, re-entry when needed so house lights are left on throughout, and a separate chill-out space for anyone who might need it at any time during their visit. We also provide a Visual Story so people can familiarise themselves with the theatre and key details about the show in advance.Audio Described Performances
There are a limited number of Stalls seats reserved for partially sighted patrons, and headsets available for those wishing to listen to the audio description, please email tickets@sadlerswells.com if you wish to book these optionsCaptioned Performances
For advice on where to sit in order to view the captions please contact our Ticket Office at tickets@sadlerswells.com or by calling 020 7863 8000.Touch Tour
To accompany the Audio Described performance, visually impaired patrons can go on a Touch Tour before the performance. Your tour guide will take you backstage, or onto the stage itself, to feel costumes and pieces of the set and learn more about the production. To find out touch tour times, please contact our Ticket Office at tickets@sadlerswells.com or by calling 020 7863 8000.Free Family Activities on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th April
Come along and join us for some family fun before the show begins!
Join us on the Mezzanine level before the show on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 April for a host of activities, there’s something all the family to enjoy.
Jungle Book reimagined is a letter to the future, a warning of the world we could pass on to future generations if we don’t change the way humans live alongside nature. What would you want to say if you were writing a letter or drawing a picture to the future planet? Join in on the Mezzanine Level to write your own letter or paint a cardboard climate protest sign to support change in respecting the future of our planet.
Just as Akram Khan Company dancers move around the stage like animals claiming the streets as their own, you can take part in movement workshops where you embody the animal characters of Jungle Book reimagined. Led by Akram Khan Company dancers and open to all levels, you are invited to transform Sadler’s Wells Rosebery Room into your own animal kingdom using cardboard boxes.
There will be a Chill-Out Space available on the Mezzanine Level if you would prefer a quiet moment away from the activity.
★★★★ THE SCOTSMAN
★★★★ THE HERALD
SEEING DANCE
Play trailer
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