Akram, 43, will retire from full-length performances in 2018. His last solo will be in Xenos—a new production to mark the centenary of the First World War. British-Bangladeshi choreographer and performer Akram Khan challenges the seeming contradiction between static sculptures and moving dancers. The power of the statue, he says, lies in how its immobility prompts movement in the observer while, conversely, the moving body can make the viewer still. He’s been exploring this theme since he began creating his unique fusion of contemporary and South Asian classical dance traditions in 2000. Speaking from London, where he co-founded the Akram Khan Company, he addresses our tendency today This story is from Kinfolk Issue Twenty-Seven Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 47 Alice Sheppard On dance as a channel to commune with the body—even when it hurts. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Age Appropriation When actors don't act their age. Arts & Culture Issue 43 Last Night What did Planningtorock do with their evening? Arts & Culture Issue 37 Wasted Journey What could you teach a caveman? Arts & Culture Issue 36 Marion Motin The celebrated choreographer talks to Daphnée Denis about her belief in “immediate movement”—and why touring with Madonna almost broke her. Arts & Culture Issue 36 Trivial Matters On the uses of useless knowledge.
Arts & Culture Issue 47 Alice Sheppard On dance as a channel to commune with the body—even when it hurts.
Arts & Culture Issue 36 Marion Motin The celebrated choreographer talks to Daphnée Denis about her belief in “immediate movement”—and why touring with Madonna almost broke her.
