March 12, 2008	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 3, 1429

LONDON: With dancers from China, a Bengali title and a score of Asian electronica, choreographer Akram Khan’s new show focuses on cultural identity at its European premiere in culture capital Liverpool.

“Bahok”, which means “Carrier”, is set in an airport waiting room, mixes classical ballet with contemporary and traditional Asian dance and features several performers from the National Ballet of China.

It looks at how people from different parts of the world relate to each other, dramatised in dance.

Akram Khan, 33, was born in Britain and grew up idolising Michael Jackson and was introduced to Bengali folk dancing by his mother.

He incorporates influences from around the world throughout his work. As well as the Chinese dancers, “Bahok” also features dancers from India, South Africa, Slovakia and Spain.

“It is really an ensemble work, we managed to bring out their individual characteristics much more,” said producer Farooq Chaudhry.

“The Chinese have done an extraordinary journey in a year and a half.”

The show premiered in Beijing in January, but was first shown in Europe in the northern English city of Liverpool, designated one of this year’s European Capitals of Culture, on Friday and Saturday.

The score was written by Nitin Sawhney, an award-winning British disc kockey and multi-instrumentalist who fuses electronica, jazz and world music and has collaborated with Akram Khan on five other works.

Sawhney said that he tries to pick up themes in the dancing which he then uses in his music.

“I go to rehearsals, then Akram films the choreography as it is developing,” he said. “I try to find a musical subtext to the story.”

Sawhney and the National Ballet of China are not the only notable names to have worked with Mr Akram

He has also collaborated with artists Anish Kapoor and Antony Gormley, did some choreography for singer Kylie Minogue’s 2005 tour and performs a show with French ballerina Sylvie Guillem.

He is currently working on a show with Guillem’s compatriot, actress Juliette Binoche, which is due to open in London later this year.

Akram Khan was born in London in 1974 and one of his earliest professional performances came when, aged 14, he toured the world starring in “The Mahabharata”, directed by Peter Brook for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

“Bahok” has received strong reviews in the British press. The Liverpool Daily Post wrote: “With six nationalities represented, the topical message is not only about communication but where we come from, what is home.

“However, one can enjoy this for the sheer spirit of dance itself, totally exhilarating.”—AFP