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Overview
Award-winning choreographer to the stars, Akram Khan, will debut his latest ensemble piece iTMOi (in the mind of igor) at this year's Auckland Arts Festival.
As well as showcasing Khan's choreographic flair, the work tips its hat to the work of Russian composer Igor Stravinsky and his influential ballet, The Rite of Spring. It tells the story of a young girl who is chosen as a sacrificial victim in a series of rituals celebrating the arrival of spring. It made its debut in 1913 to public outrage and a near-riot in the streets of Paris. It is now widely considered to be one of the most influential musical works of the 20th century.
In Khan's version the skilled performers mix contemporary dance and the Indian classical dance form Kathak to present the mythical work about love, marriage, faith and sacrifice. While using the compositions of Stravinsky as a guide, three additional composers have created pulsing sounds to bring the piece to life. Attendees can expect nudity, smoke and loud music.
Khan has been the recipient of numerous international dance awards, including an Olivier Award and an MBE for his contribution to the UK dance community. He has choreographed for Kylie Minogue and contributed to a major section of the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.