Akram Khan Company‘s first-ever piece for children and families makes its New York premier soon at The New Victory Theater from November 4-13, 2016. Adapted from Khan’s much-loved, autobiographical production, Desh (2014 Bessie Award for Outstanding Production, 2012 Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production), Chotto Desh includes a mix of Khan’s original choreography alongside new material. Hailed as “one of the most original and celebrated choreographers of international dance, acclaimed for his dance language rooted in the ancient Indian dance,” this show will be quite a treat for all who get to see it.
Public Performance Schedule: 10 performances
Friday, November 4 at 7pm*
Saturday, November 5 at 2pm / 7pm
Sunday, November 6 at 12pm / 5pm
Friday, November 11 at 7pm
Saturday, November 12 at 2pm / 7pm
Sunday, November 13 at 12pm / 5pm
*sign-interpreted performance
Ticket Information
Tickets for the show at The New Victory Theater (209 West 42nd Street) are $10, $13, $18 or $25 for Members based on seat locations, with full price tickets starting at $16. Tickets are available online (NewVictory.org) and by telephone(646.223.3010). The New Victory Theater box office (209 West 42nd Street) is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm.
Directed by Sue Buckmaster of Theatre-Rites (Mojo, New Vic 2012; Mischief, New Vic 2011), Chotto Desh, meaning “small homeland,” draws on Khan’s unique cross-cultural storytelling, creating a compelling tale of a young man’s dreams and memories, from Britain to Bangladesh. Featuring a solo male dancer and a mix of contemporary dance, humorous text, visual design and an evocative original score, Chotto Desh employs enchanting animations and large, playful props by Desh designer and Oscar winner Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Buckmaster draws out Khan’s younger experiences to create familiar, touching and often comical scenes of a young man struggling with cultural identity, a complex relationship with his father and the desire to dance.
Khan, now a father of two, states, “Chotto Desh and Desh touch on the same themes – identity, parents, children, migration and immigration. It’s important to remember that we are all immigrants, if you go back far enough. We tend to forget that. These are universal themes and it’s important for children to know about them.” Chotto Desh is co-commissioned by MOKO Dance, Akram Khan Company, Sadler’s Wells London, DanceEast, Théâtre de la Ville Paris, Mercat de les Flors Barcelona, Biennale de la danse de Lyon 2016 and Stratford Circus Arts Centre, and supported by Arts Council England. The production made its world premiere at DanceEast’s Jerwood Dancehouse before appearing at Sadler’s Wells in 2015.
Learn more about the performance on the New Victory website and at www.akramkhancompany.net.
From Ankram Khan Company:
From the streets of Bangladesh to the stages of London, follow the life of a young man who was born the son of a cook but dreams of becoming a dancer. An autobiographical solo dance piece created by Akram Khan, one of Britain’s most celebrated choreographers, Chotto Desh uses contemporary dance, humorous text and an evocative score to create a visually compelling, cross-cultural story about the struggle of being “other.” At turns intimate and epic, Chotto Desh celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in a modern world.