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The Akram Khan Company is UK based with a truly global focus. Khan's choreography is a dazzling fusion of classical Indian katak and western contemporary dance - dance that is bold, uninhibited, intelligent, inventive and challenging. Vertical Road sees Akram Khan returning to pure movement in his choreography, eliminating the text and dialogue which has featured in recent works such as In-I and zero degrees. Rooted in his classical kathak training, but informed by his experience and virtuosity in contemporary dance, the new work continues Khan’s interest in exploring the interfaces between different cultures and creative disciplines. Lighting and costume will take on greater importance in this piece than in recent works and Khan is working with Danish lighting designer Jesper Konshaug and Japanese costume designer Kimie Nakano on these aspects of the production. Vertical Road is inspired by the idea of vertical ascension - a common motif in several different religions. Other key references to ascension take place in art and literature in terms of an ascetic ladder where one’s virtuous deeds on earth elevate the soul from earthly preoccupations to bring us closer to a spiritual realm. The second is the journey that the soul takes after death, climbing the heavens up to the light of God. Vertical Road will explore these ideas in a ground-breaking work of contemporary dance, choreographed by Akram Khan and performed by eight hand-picked dancers from around the world. Akram Khan Company - Vertical Road website.

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