In February, Cultural and Education Section of the British Consulate-General and Guangzhou Opera House are delighted to present a glamorous dance feast for you. The eminent UK Akram Khan Company is coming to China with its latest contemporary ensemble work Vertical Road.
Vertical Road is the latest masterpiece of UK renowned choreographer Akram Khan, who is a super star in dancing on the global stage. Khan has assembled a cast of very special performers from across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. With a specially commissioned score by long-term collaborator composer Nitin Sawhney, Vertical Road draws inspiration from the Sufi tradition and the Persian poet and philosopher Rumi. Exploring man's earthly nature, his rituals and the consequences of human actions, Vertical Road becomes a meditation on the journey from gravity to grace, and continues choreographer’s ambition to explore the interfaces between different cultures and creative disciplines.
During its stay in China, the Akram Khan Company will meet with local dance artists to have face-to-face talks. A series of activities including management lecture, master class and post-performance talk will be held by representatives from the company to share their experience with Chinese dance artists and fans.
For further information please refer to www.britishcouncil.org.cn and our Douban page.
Time: February 20th – 26th, 2011
Venue: Guangzhou Opera House
Ⅰ Management Talk
Time: 15:00-17:30, February 20th, 2011 (Sunday)
Venue: Multi-functional Theatre, Guangzhou Opera House
Speaker: Farooq, producer from the Akram Khan Company (translation is provided)
Topics: Akram Khan Company, creativity in market development, arts performance management, discovery of talents, establishing international cooperation
Registration: tickets will be assigned on-spot to the first 200 participants
Ⅱ Master Class
Time: 11:00-13:00, February 21st, 2011 (Monday)
Venue: Ballet Rehearsal Hall, 5th Floor, Guangzhou Opera House
Speaker: Rehearsal Supervisors Andrej & Eulalia, dancers (translation is provided)
Topics: modern dance techniques and tips, on-spot demonstration of dancing skills, hand-to-hand dance guidance
Participants: professional dancers, dance teachers and students (20 quotas)
Ⅲ Premiere of Vertical Road in China
Time: 20:00-21:10, February 25th and 26th, 2011
Site: Main Theatre, Guangzhou Opera House
Ticket Price: RMB 80/180/380/580/880/1280/1680
Discount: Click to download the British Council coupon. You can at get 10% off at the box office or send email to gohmsc@163.com reserve your tickets by 20 February.
Ticket Hotline: 020-38392888/38392666
Remark: the performance lasts approximately for 70 minutes with no interval; latecomers will not be admitted in the auditorium
Ⅳ Post-performance Talk
Time: 21:25-21:55, February 25th, 2011 (Friday)
Site: Main Theatre, Guangzhou Opera House
Guest: producer of Vertical Road, representatives of the Akram Khan Company, dancers (translation is provided)
Akram Khan
Artistic Director/Choreographer
Akram Khan is one of the most acclaimed choreographers of his generation working in Britain today. Born in London into a family of Bangladeshi origin, he began dancing at seven and studied with the renowned kathak dancer and teacher Sri Pratap Pawar. He presented his first solo works in the late 1990s, maintaining his commitment to classical kathak as well as developing modern work. He was Choreographer-in-Residence and later Associate Artist at the Southbank Centre and is currently an Associate Artist at Sadler’s Wells. His company piece bahok, originally produced in collaboration with National Ballet of China, has been critically acclaimed and completed its international tour in May 2010.
Vertical Road
Vertical Road is Akram Khan's latest contemporary ensemble work. Khan has assembled a cast of very special performers from across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. With a specially commissioned score by long-term collaborator composer, Nitin Sawhney, Vertical Road draws inspiration from the Sufi tradition and the Persian poet and philosopher Rumi. Exploring man's earthly nature, his rituals and the consequences of human actions, Vertical Road becomes a meditation on the journey from gravity to grace, and continues choreographer’s ambition to explore the interfaces between different cultures and creative disciplines.
“An evening of rare intelligence and artistry”--- FINANCIAL TIMES
“Khan's journey of reconnection is a harrowing, beautiful puzzle.”--- THE GUARDIAN
“Vertical Road’s physical power is irresistible.”--- THE SUNDAY TIMES
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