Akram Khan's Final Touring Production 'Thikra' Premieres Across Europe After Saudi Arabian Desert Inspiration
In January 2023, 'Thikra: Night of Remembering,' a production by Akram Khan, debuted in an outdoor setting in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. This work, created in collaboration with artist Manal AlDowayan, draws inspiration from the region's rich cultural heritage. Featuring an all-female ensemble, it delves into themes of remembrance and ritual through a story centered on a tribal leader and ancestral spirits. At 51, Khan, who is renowned for blending Kathak with contemporary dance, crafted this piece after exploring Nabatean culture. This autumn, an indoor version will tour France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, concluding the Akram Khan Company's 25-year journey. Notable performances include Théâtre de la Ville, Paris (2–18 October) and Sadler's Wells, London (28 October – 1 November). Khan highlights the significance of the body in dance while critiquing the impact of modern technology.
Key facts
- Akram Khan's 'Thikra: Night of Remembering' premiered outdoors in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, in January.
- The production is a collaboration with Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan, who helped shape the stage set and storyline.
- Thikra features an all-female cast and explores themes of ritual and remembrance inspired by AlUla's Nabatean tribal culture.
- The indoor version tours France, Germany, Italy, and the UK in autumn 2025, with specific dates in Paris, London, Rome, Berlin, and Cologne.
- This marks the final touring production for Akram Khan Company after 25 years, as Khan and producer Farooq Chaudhry pursue new directions.
- Khan, 51, is known for fusing Kathak with contemporary dance and has previously adapted works like 'Until the Lions' and 'The Jungle Book'.
- The choreographer worked predominantly with Bharatanatyam dancers for Thikra, citing their understanding of intangible concepts.
- Khan critiques the dance world's marginalization compared to visual arts, highlighting financial disparities and a colonial hierarchy.
Entities
Artists
- Akram Khan
- Manal AlDowayan
- Karthika Nair
- Rudyard Kipling
- Antony Gormley
- Anish Kapoor
- Carolina Bianchi
- Azusa Seyama Prioville
- Farooq Chaudhry
- Um Firas
- Emily May
Institutions
- Akram Khan Company
- ArtReview
- Financial Times
- Venice Dance Biennale
- Théâtre de la Ville
- Sadler's Wells
- Romaeuropa
- Berliner Festspiele
- Tanz Köln
Locations
- AlUla
- Saudi Arabia
- Moncalvo
- Italy
- France
- Germany
- UK
- Paris
- London
- Rome
- Berlin
- Cologne